Man broke victim’s nose in unprovoked street attack
A MAN has been jailed after footage of him carrying out a “violent and unprovoked attack” was posted on social media by his friends.
Ross Renforth, 21, was filmed verbally and physically assaulting a 33-year-old man on Cedar Grove in Alnwick on Monday morning, breaking the victim’s nose.
Police were made aware of the footage when it circulated on social media and launched an investigation before finding and arresting the attacker hours later.
Renforth, of no fixed address, was charged with common assault and appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty.
He was jailed for 14 weeks and was ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim.
Sgt Sharon Wilmore-Greaves praised the members of the public who made police aware of the video and condemned the violent actions of Renforth.
She said: “Renforth had targeted a lone man and carried out a violent and unprovoked attack resulting in serious injuries to the victim. He was swiftly brought to justice by our officers, which resulted in a secure a prompt conviction thanks to the brave witnesses.
“I want to thank the community for reporting the horrific incident and the witnesses for their bravery to help put a violent brute behind bars.
“We rely on witnesses to support investigations when dealing with people who blatantly break the law, cause harm to others and cause fear to others.
“We will continue to safeguard the vulnerable and target offenders to continue to make the community a safe place to live, work and visit.”