A TEENAGER from Leamington who carried out two unprovoked assaults in the space of just 15 days has walked free from court – despite one of his victims having suffered a fractured skull.
Brandon Downes, of Windmill Road, had pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and inflicting grievous bodily harm.
But at Warwick Crown Court the 18 year-old was sentenced to 12 months detention suspended for two years and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work and to take part in a rehabilitation activity.
Prosecutor Ian Windridge said in early December Downes punched an 18 year-old man on the Parade outside McDonalds. The victim was knocked to the floor but got up and jumped on a nearby bus to escape.
Downes, who made no comment when he was later arrested, accepted throwing the punch.
Fifteen days later, during the early evening on Christmas Day, Downes, who was with a group of friends, punched another man on the Parade near the Pump Room Gardens.
The man, who had been with a friend, was rushed to hospital where he was found to have suffered multiple fractures to his skull, a ‘significant cut’ to the back of his head, and a cut inside his mouth.
When Downes was arrested and interviewed, he said he and his friends had been out looking for somewhere to have a drink, but could not find a pub that was open, so had gone to an Indian restaurant where they had food and alcohol.
He claimed the ‘two lads’ had turned and said something, but blamed someone else in his group for the blow.
Alex Pritchard-Jones, defending, conceded there was ‘little mitigation’ for the offences themselves, other than each one had been a single blow which ‘lacked premeditation.’
Mr Pritchard-Jones added: “He is scared of an immediate custodial sentence. He very, very much regrets his actions, and asks me to tell the court how sorry he is.
“While not the sole carer, he has had a significant role in assisting his father in caring for his younger brother.”
Recorder Christopher Donnellan QC told Downes: “I am concerned whether there is real remorse in your case, but you have no previous convictions, I am going to give you this chance. You won’t get another one.”
