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19
Jan
Roecliffe man avoids jail after punching colleague 30 times
A Roecliffe man appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (January 16) after assaulting his colleague.
Paul Crozier, of a Roecliffe address, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm on November 28, 2024.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court the named victim had known Crozier for several years as they both worked for the same company.
Ms Ibbotson said the victim described Crozier, 51, as having a “short fuse” and was difficult to work with.
The court heard the men went to their employer's house on October 19, 2023, after being at a job in the morning.
The victim got out of the van. When he turned around, Crozier was “very angry and glaring at him”, Ms Ibbotson said.
She added:
[Victim] said nothing had happened to upset him. He said the defendant ‘went berserk’ and proceeded to punch him between eight and 10 times in the face.
Crozier temporarily stopped after his boss intervened, but he then hit the victim again.
The victim fell backwards and hit his head on the ground, the court heard.
Ms Ibbotson said the defendant got on top of the victim and continued to punch him. He then pushed Crozier off him, but the defendant kicked the victim.
She added:
The victim believes he was punched 30 times in total. He said he was 'bemused' as to why he was attacked.
The court heard the victim sustained cuts and bruises to his face, as well as a black eye.
Defendant faced ‘difficult emotional issues’ at the time
Andrew Tinning, defending, told the court "things like this don’t happen in a vacuum”.
Mr Tinning said Crozier is of previous good character and had been facing some “particularly difficult emotional issues” at the time of the incident.
The court heard the defendant had worked for the company for 10 years, but he had to be signed off for a period of time to care for his ill parents.
Mr Tinning said Crozier felt some people he worked with were “unsympathetic” about this, and also made mocking comments towards him.
He also told the court the defendant was “willing to do whatever needs to be done” and would comply with any sentencing requirements.
The magistrates handed Crozier a 26-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months.
They told him there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, but acknowledged the attack was prolonged.
Crozier was also ordered to pay £754 in total, which included £400 in prosecution costs, a £154 surcharge and £200 in victim compensation.
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