Station thug kicked man in the head

A MAN was attacked in Dewsbury Railway Station – then his assailant returned minutes later and stamped nine times on his head.

Leeds Crown Court heard 62-year-old victim Timothy Whelan was with friend Andrew Mitchell just after 5am on July 2, when he asked William Beckett if he could buy a cigarette.

It was not known what was said but CCTV captured Beckett returning and attacking Mr Whelan.

Jailing Beckett for a total of six years and eight months, Judge Christopher Batty said: “He didn’t offer you any violence, there was no element of self-defence in this.

“You went back and began to punch him and punch him and punch him to his face. You then kicked him repeatedly in his kidneys before kicking him to his head.”

Beckett also attacked Mr Mitchell. Having then left the station, Beckett returned seven to eight minutes later.

Judge Batty added: “You then stamped on his head nine times.”

Carmel Pearson, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Whelan suffered a broken arm and dislocated shoulder. He had to have an operation and months later was still taking painkillers and had some movement problems with his shoulder.

Beckett, 31 of Springfield Terrace, Dewsbury, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Whelan and common assault to Mr Mitchell.