YOB PUSHED AND VERBALLY ABUSED DISABLED WOMAN
Assault came after exchanges on social media
YOB Dominic Goodwin pushed over a disabled woman and called her an offensive name.
The 25-year-old assaulted the victim outside the Salvation Army hostel, Stoke.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Goodwin claimed he targeted her because she had posted about him on social media.
Prosecutor Emma Thompson said the victim – who has dystonia, a neurological disorder which affects mobility and speech – had been left very upset by the incident.
“The injured party was living at the Salvation Army,” she added. “She had gone outside for a cigarette when the defendant approached her. He threw a drink at her then pushed her, with both hands on her shoulders, causing her to fall over a low wall.”
Ms Thompson told the court that Goodwin – who works part-time in the kitchen at Stoke City FC – swore at the victim and called her by an offensive name, which referred to her disability.
“It was the use of that word which the prosecution says is a disability hate crime,” said Ms Thompson. “When the police attended it was quite obvious to them that she had disabilities.
“She told police she saw two men, one of whom she knew as Dominic. She had seen him around the hostel. Following the incident, she felt pain to her legs and had bruises and scratches.”
In a statement read out in court, the victim said she was upset and hurt when Goodwin used the offensive term. She said: “It’s deeply upsetting when someone makes fun of me because of my speech.”
Goodwin was arrested. He told police he only knew the victim through social media and did not know about her disability. Ms Thompson said: “The defendant said he was aware the injured party had posted about him on social media although he had not met her.
“He saw her come out of the hostel and what he said as a general insult as he was not aware she had a speech impediment. He admitted he pushed her.”
Goodwin, of Harding Road, Hanley, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.
Tony Cooke, mitigating, said: “He is saying he wasn’t aware of her difficulties. He had never seen the injured party before.
“There had been exchanges on social media. That was how the tension between them accrued.”
Goodwin told a probation officer that his actions were ‘disgusting’ and denied having any issues with those with disabilities. The court heard his brother is disabled.
Magistrates handed Goodwin an 18-month community order, with a 20day rehabilitation activity requirement and a curfew.
Goodwin must pay £75 compensation to the victim, plus £230 in court costs and charges.