Boss of tyre firm jailed for a brutal assault
FATHER OF 14 SENTENCED ALONG WITH BROTHER OVER EMPLOYEE ATTACK:
A MARTIAL arts-expert boss launched a “disgraceful” attack on an employee, fracturing his jaw, because he thought he had stolen tyres, a court heard.
Father-of-14 Sheene Gordon, 42, who specialises in kick-boxing, summoned the Latvian worker to his office at Pitstop Tyres in Robian Way, Swadlincote.
In front of other staff members he kicked his victim at least three times to the face and body in an attack which lasted around 30 minutes.
His younger brother, Sherne, 39, threw the first punch after he had been accused, before Sheene dragged the man to the floor and kicked him in the face, instantly fracturing his jaw. Sheene then kicked him three times to his body.
As a result, their victim had to have surgery to insert metals plates and screws to repair his jaw and still has numbness in his lip, a court has been told.
The brothers, both of Shannon Approach, Burton, had been due to stand trial at Derby Crown Court but entered guilty pleas at the last minute. The court was told they both had convictions for violence in the past.
Sheene Gordon admitted a charge of grievous bodily harm, while brother Sherne admitted common assault. The court heard that on January 6, 2017, the victim turned up for work at 9am, and at 10am some staff were called into the office by the defendants. In the room, too, were some other members of staff and a Russian translator.
Prosecutor Siward JamesMoore said: “It became clear that they were accusing the victim and two other members of staff of stealing from the company, namely tyres, and wanted to know what they had done with them.
“The defendants started setting about the victim. Sherne punched the man in the face, maybe twice. That was the only involvement he had.
“Then Sheene dragged him to the floor and kicked him in his jaw. He knew instantly that it was broken. There were further punches to the body and the victim was drifting in and out of consciousness.”
The translator, speaking in Russian, said to the victim: “You better tell the truth or you will be beaten until you admit guilt.” The victim was put in the corridor, his work jumper was taken and he was told to go.
He and another went to a nearby Sainsbury’s to clean themselves up and then went to Swadlincote Police Station where they were described by an officer as clearly in shock.
The victim suffered a fracture to the lower jaw and numbness to his lip and had to have surgery for plates and screws inserted to repair the fracture.
In an impact statement, the victim said he was unable to find another job and had no savings. He said his memory was poor and he had difficultly chewing and eating.
The prosecutor added: “The victim also has a child in Latvia he is providing for and when he is sending money to him he has none left for himself.”
In a second statement made after guilty pleas were finally entered by the brothers, the victim said his life was still affected and he had left the UK. He described the defendants as “resentful and spiteful people”.
The prosecutor said: “His chin does not sit how it should and his teeth aren’t in line. He still has the metal plate. He still has numbness in his jaw and doesn’t believe he will be able to afford to fix his teeth.”
The court heard Sheene had convictions for actual bodily harm in 1990 and 1991; an assault in 1992; resisting a constable in 1997; and common assault a year later.
His brother had a 1995 conviction for common assault; threatening behaviour in 1997, and battery last year.
Daniel Church, defending Sheene, said: “This offence was precipitated by their belief that some tyres had been stolen. That affords them no justification for what was an appalling attack. It was wholly unjustified.
“He is 42 and has a record of previous convictions, including violence. He has 14 children aged between two and 20.”
Judge Robert Egbuna interrupted, saying: “Fourteen children? I am not sure that is commendable or not.”
Mr Church continued: “He supports them all financially. He lives with his partner and four daughters. He owns Pitstop Tyres and a car wash nearby and employs 10 staff.
“He knows that everything is now in jeopardy. He knows he is staring down the barrel of a prison sentence..”
Jailing Sheene for 29 months, Judge Egbuna told him: “The victim was effectively falsely imprisoned and, in front of other staff, the attack was sustained, even calculated and degrading to the victim.
“You of all people know what injuries that a kick to the face, bearing in mind you are a martial arts expert, would do.
“What you did that day was disgraceful.”
Sherne Gordon has been made the subject of a fourmonth prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to pay £400 compensation to his victim within two months.
The attack was sustained and degrading to the victim. Judge Robert Egbuna at Derby Crown Court