Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
05
Sept
Harrogate teen sentenced for repeatedly punching fellow student
A teenager has been sentenced after repeatedly punching a fellow student in Harrogate.
Liam Bacon pleaded guilty on July 24 to wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, which was not read when Bacon returned to Harrogate Magistrates Court for sentencing yesterday (September 4).
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court Bacon – now 18 – was 16 at the time of the offence, meaning he would have been dealt with as a youth had the case come to court sooner.
Bacon and the named victim, who was also a youth at the time, were both students at Harrogate College when the incident took place on October 23, 2023.
Shortly before 3pm that day, the victim left the college with two friends and made his way towards the railway station at Hornbeam Park.
As the three friends approached the bridge near the platform, Bacon shouted at the victim.
He turned around, thinking Bacon wanted to speak to him, but was punched repeatedly.
He suffered bruising, a bloody nose and a black eye. The following day, he had to undergo emergency dental treatment and has since been left to foot a £300 dental bill, the court heard.
Ms Tyrer said the victim named Bacon, of Cautley Drive in Killinghall, as the main perpetrator but also claimed another person was involved.
In an account to police in March 2024, the victim said he believed he had been struck up to eight times.
He said the ordeal lasted between five and seven seconds, adding he thinks he was knocked unconscious for about two seconds.
Describing Bacon and his friend after the assault, the victim said:
They looked buffed-up and like gangsters.
The court heard Bacon had been “staring” at the victim on the day of the offence.
The then-boys had only met when the term started in September, but the victim said he and Bacon “got on ok”.
Victim called Bacon 'autistic'
Interviewed by police, Bacon told officers he carried out the assault after the victim allegedly circulated videos calling the defendant “autistic” and “a paedophile”.
Bacon had not seen these videos, Ms Tyrer said, but reacted by assaulting the victim.
The defendant believes he struck the victim three times.
The friend has never been charged for the assault and denied any involvement, the court heard.
Bacon is of previous good character and has not been in trouble with the law since the offence.
Ms Tyrer read the victim’s impact statement to the court, which said:
Prior to being assaulted, I was going to college and getting the train there. I felt safe and wasn’t worried about leaving the house.
After that, it all changed. I would wait in the reception at college for my mum to get me or get teachers to walk me to the train station.
For months after I wouldn’t eat and I was always cold.
This hasn't just impacted me... my mum worries about me.
The victim said his mum "worries more than she would’ve done had this not happened”.
Defendant ‘thought he would be bullied’ for videos
Martin Townend, defending, told the court Bacon started college after the covid pandemic and struggles with social anxiety.
After becoming aware of the videos allegedly made by the victim, Bacon’s social anxiety was heightened and he “thought he would be bullied”. This led him to carry out the assault.
“He saw him and punched him, and he accepts the injuries he caused”, Mr Townend said.
The court heard Bacon does not leave the house often but has "started going out more” and is actively seeking employment.
Mr Townend reminded the magistrates of Bacon’s age at the time of the offence, adding Bacon pledged to “walk the other way” if he sees the victim in the future.
Bacon takes full responsibility for his actions and “wants to put this behind him”, the court heard.
Ahead of sentencing, the chair of the magistrates’ bench told Bacon:
This is a serious matter. It took place two years ago between two boys – emphasis on 'boys'.
It was a nasty assault, but you were a boy when this happened and we are taking your youth into consideration when dealing with this matter.
The chair said Bacon had expressed remorse and acknowledged he had not committed any further offences since the incident.
Bacon was handed a 12-month community order, which requires him to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay the victim £1,500 in compensation.
“We hope this is your first and last time with the criminal justice system… best wishes going forward”, the chair added.
0