Violent burglar’s charge criticised by judge

A judge criticised prosecutors yesterday for not charging a burglar who attacked a local resident with a more serious offence than common assault.

Macauley Ware, 22, and an accomplice attacked the victim, who had gone to investigate after hearing them breaking into a shop in Hull on the evening of February 4. The man was hit on the head with a tool box and punched and kicked on the ground.

Ware was given a 12-month suspended sentence at Hull Crown Court, but judge Simon Jack said: “I’m astonished the defendant was charged with common assault in relation to the attack on an innocent bystander.”

The accused, of Hull, also admitted burglary, and making threats to police in a 999 call after the incident.