Jail over ‘shocking record’
Assault led to serious injuries
A thug who carried out an attack in Scarborough flat has been jailed for more than four years.
Liam Watson, 24, punched, kicked and stamped on the victim who was knocked practically unconscious and suffered a head wound, York Crown Court heard.
Watson launched the attack after he and the 31-yearold victim had an argument at the block of flats in Westborough.
Prosecutor Nick Adlington said the victim had started the fight by punching Watson, who retaliated by punching him to the floor.
He said the victim, who was named in court, had only a hazy recollection of the incident and his only recollection after being attacked was waking up in hospital.
Police were called out and the victim was taken to hospital where he had four stitches in a two-and-a-half inch cut to the head.
During police questioning, Watson said he had acted in self-defence after being punched during the incident on August 28 last year.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm but denied the allegation.
Watson, of Prince of Wales Terrace, Scarborough, appeared in court for what was due to be a trial, but pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
He admitted the offence on the basis that he had acted in self-defence, which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service. Judge Paul Batty QC said Watson’s criminal record was “truly shocking”.