Victim punched and stamped on in sickening city attack
An attacker who took a "flying jump" onto an unconscious stranger's head during a sickening outbreak of city centre violence has been jailed.
The victim had been knocked out with a single punch thrown by Ellis Riddell and "face planted" the ground.
Newcastle Crown Court heard as Riddell "high fived" a pal in celebration, Morgan Coatesworth took a "flying jump, reminiscent of a long jump", onto the stricken man's head.
He suffered multiple fracturesaroundhiseyesocketand nasal bones that required surgery and ongoing pain relief.
Judge Stephen Earl said it
was unclear which of the two attacks, in September 2019, caused the serious injuries and that both may have contributed.
The judge warned the two attackers: "Either one of you could have caused this man's death."
The court heard the shocking violence was captured on CCTV, which was watched by the judge.
Judge Earl added: "A single punch, from behind, from Mr Riddell takes him out, head down, face down, sprawled on the ground, of no risk to anyone.
"Then, having put him down, you (Riddell) back off, high-five your friend.
"Mr Coatesworth then takes the opportunity to take a runningjumpathishead,reminiscent of a long jump."
Judge Earl told the court: "Who caused what injury is in doubt, did injury get caused by him face-planting on the ground or were they caused by the stamp, or jump, pushing his face into the ground?”
Coatesworth, 22, of Lanercost, Glebe, Washington, admittedcausinggrievousbodily harmwithintentandhasbeen jailed for 34 months.
Judge Earl said he accepted Coatesworth was genuinely remorseful and "really, really wishes he could take this moment back".
Riddell,18,FelsteadSquare, Ford Estate, Sunderland, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with afour-monthcurfewfrom7pm to 6am and 210 hours’ unpaid work.
Tony Davis, defending Coatesworth, said there had been "animosity" building up that night and drink was involved.
Liam O'Brien, defending Riddell, said: "This exploded in a matter of seconds, it was over within three to four seconds in total."