News Man in court for teen attack
A 46-year-old man was hauled before the courts after assaulting a 16-year-old boy.
Michael Williams, of Henry Street, admitted assaulting the youngster in Goole on July 5. The father-of-one appeared at Goole Magistrates' Court this week where he admitted assault by beating.
Julie Laverack-Glanville, prosecuting, said Mr Williams, who has no previous convictions, lunged at the youngster - who cannot be named for legal reasons - without warning in the street.
Mr Williams's solicitor argued that it was the boy who crossed the road to confront Mr Williams, who then reacted to the provocation. Mrs Laverack-Glanville said the 16-year-old was walking along Westfield Avenue with his girlfriend - whose identity is also protected by provisions under the Children and Young Persons Act - when Mr Williams appeared with his partner.
The boy alleged that Mr Williams was glaring at him and and, when he asked what the matter was, the older man lunged at him and pushed his head into the youngster's cheekbone. As Mr Williams walked away, the boy's girlfriend shouted: "He's only 16!", at which point Mr Wiliams swore at her, said Mrs Laverack-Glanville.
The boy then called police and officers arrived at the scene. They searched for Mr Williams with the help of the boy, who pointed Mr Williams out near The Courtyard on Boothferry Road. Mr Williams was arrested.
Mrs Laverack-Glanville said the boy was left with a swollen cheekbone as a result of the attack. She added that, during police interview, Mr Williams refused to answer any pertinent questions from police.
He said he was not proud of what he had done, but that "It happened and there's no turning back.".
Amanda Holmes, defending, said Mr Williams, who had been for a night out with his partner, saw the girl arguing with a boy and that the boy was pushing her around. Ms Holmes said that the girl then started to cry and Mr Williams told the boy to leave her alone. She added that the boy then crossed the road to confront Mr Williams and was standing "toe-to-toe" with the defendant. She said the boy put his face into Mr Williams' and the older man then "pushed his head away with his head".
Ms Holmes said Mr Williams, a scaffolder, denied it was an unprovoked lunge. He also claimed the boy was abusive and the worse for drink.
Ms Holmes said Mr Williams was 'gutted' about what he had done.
Magistrates took account of his early guilty plea and previous good character and gave him a 12-month conditional discharge. They also ordered him to pay £60 prosecution costs and £100 compensation to his victim.
Published on 17th July 2008 in News.
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