Unprovoked attack on pensioner couple
RAGING Richard Charlton launched an unprovoked attack on an elderly couple in their own garden.
Charlton, 36, was handed a fourmonth suspended prison sentence after admitting two counts of common assault for the attack on May 30 last year.
Charlton was walking through the Leam Lane Estate in Gateshead, banging on doors of different houses when he confronted a 71-year-old man his 68-year-old wife.
He got into an altercation with the pensioners outside their property when he refused to leave their garden.
It was at this point he punched them both in the head and chest and fled the scene.
The couple weren’t seriously injured during but they were left incredibly distressed by the unprovoked attack and immediately called police.
Charlton was arrested and charged with common assault which he admitted in court and police criticised the “cowardly” attack.
As well as the suspended sentence, Charlton was also handed a five-year restraining order, a
ASSAULTED HUSBAND AND WIFE IN THEIR OWN GARDEN
12-month rehabilitation order and made to pay £200 in costs at Newcastle Crown Court .
Chief Insp Paul Knox said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack on a retired couple who simply wanted Charlton to leave them alone.
“Thankfully neither of them were seriously injured but this kind of attack has obviously had a lasting effect on them and left them very shaken.
“Charlton may not have been sent to prison but he has received a suspended sentence with significant restrictions and will be put behind bars if he offends again. We hope this case has brought some closure to the family and we will continue to do all we can to put violent offenders in front of the courts.”