Jail for ‘despicable’ thug who kicked and punched man as he lay on floor

A ‘DESPICABLE’ thug who repeatedly kicked and punched a homeless man as he lay helpless on the floor has been jailed.

John Hall, 50, of John Street, Macclesfield, was caught on CCTV viciously attacking his victim at a shopping centre.

He admitted assault by beating at Crewe Magistrates Court and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The ‘totally unprovoked’ attack took place in Bridestone Shopping Centre, Congleton, where the homeless man, 39, was seeking shelter, on May 16 last year.

During the court hearing footage was seen that clearly showed Hall repeatedly kicking and punching the victim as he lay on the floor.

Hall, formerly of Meadow Mill Court, Congleton, was jailed because of the severity on the attack.

Speaking after the sentencing, PC Iain Bell, who led the investigation, said: “Hall’s actions were simply despicable and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to him.

“This was a totally unprovoked attack and at no point did the victim retaliate in any way.

“Thankfully, despite Hall’s actions, the victim was able to escape the attack with just minor injuries, although the outcome could have been far worse.”

Cheshire Police and

Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I would like to thank all of the officers involved in this investigation for their work.

“Incidents of this nature are particularly distressing and I hope that this sentencing will provide some closure for the victim and reassurance for the local community.”