A MAN has been sentenced after he knocked his victim unconscious while they were queuing to get into a bar in Barrow town centre.
Matthew Drury punched his victim to the head four or five times causing him to hit his head on the kerb pavement and be unconscious for a short period of time, South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard on September 8.
It comes after he had bumped into some old school friends and began excessively drinking, the court was told.
The 35-year-old committed the offence after he had previously racially abused a woman and verbally abused a disabled woman on Cavendish Street on April 6.
On his first court appearance last month when Drury pleaded guilty, the court heard the offending took place in the early hours of the morning.
Prosecutor Lee Dacre explained: “One of the victims was autistic. The defendant turned his attention to that woman.
“Witnesses with this lady said the defendant called her a [slur for disabled people]."
The court heard Drury told the woman: "I can call you that because that is who you are."
Mr Dacre said the defendant then racially abused a friend of the disabled woman who was South African after she objected to his behaviour.
“Go back to your own country. We do not want you here," Drury told her.
The court was told the South African woman’s partner challenged the defendant before the defendant then strook the man to the head.
In court on September 8, defence solicitor Karen Templeton said: “The best mitigation is his remorse.
“He cannot remember the incident but fully accepts responsibility. He is very ashamed and embarrassed. This is very out of character.
“He is horrified about the racial element. He has friends with people of many ethnicities. He would never dream of saying anything racist.
“Alcohol is behind this offending. Before this incident, he drank very little. He does not go out very much.
“He bumped into some old friends and had more to drink than he should. It is not an excuse for his behaviour but is an explanation as to why he behaved in this way.
“He has done well in his career, is in a relationship and is about to move into a new house.
“He has struggled with issues relating to impulse behaviour and his ADHD. He has had a private diagnosis and is in the proceeds of getting treatment.
“Since this incident, he has not drunk anymore alcohol. He has done whatever it takes to make sure this does not happen again.”
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with one requirement of completing 180 hours of unpaid work.
They also told the defendant to pay £100 in compensation to two of the victims.
Court costs of £85 and a £114 victim surcharge were finally sought.
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