Thugs sentenced after battering disabled pensioner

12:20pm Wednesday 19th December 2007

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A pair of thugs battered a disabled pensioner as he walked his dog through a park, a court heard yesterday.

Christopher Taylor, 19 and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were in the children's play area with other youths around midnight when 75-year-old Kenneth Hamer walked past.

They began jeering and swearing at the man, and the youth threatened to kick the dog to death.

He then pushed Mr Hamer - who used a stick to walk - to the floor and repeatedly punched and kicked him.

Taylor threatened to stab the pensioner, who was left with severe bruising after the attack, committed just a fortnight after Taylor was handed a suspended sentence for breaking into a care home.

The youth was breaching an antisocial behaviour order by being in the park with Taylor.

Yesterday, he was branded a "danger to the public" by a judge and sentenced to five years in prison after admitting wounding with intent and breaching an ASBO.

Taylor, formerly of Totnes Road, Ashton-on-Mersey, now of Allerford Road, Moss Side, Manchester was jailed for 26 months after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester heard how the assault happened as Mr Hamer walked his dog near through the park near his home in Sale,when he was confronted by the defendants.

Adam Roxborough, prosecuting said: "These two, along with others were in the children's playground within that area.

"Mr Hamer walked past these two and some comments were made to him. He was upset by these comments and described how initially he gave the youths a wide berth.

"They started shouted and swearing at him as he reached the gate to the park. At this stage the 17-year-old, holding a beer can said to Mr Hamer, 'I'm going to kick your dog to death.' "Mr Hamer was concerned enough by that comment and the fact that he had been confronted by the youth and Taylor that he struck out with the stick he used to walk.

"A beer can was thrown at him but missed him. Christopher Taylor began gesturing with his right hand in a stabbing motion saying 'I've got this here.' "Mr Hamer describes being pushed to the floor and the 17-year-old kicked him and stamped upon him. He then crouched down and repeatedly punched him in his face.

"He got hold of Mr Hamer around his neck and began to bang it against the road. Taylor made stabbing motions with his hands, saying 'I'll give you this again.' "At this point, Mr Hamer blacked out."

The court heard how witnesses heard the boys shouting and sounds of someone being assaulted.

Mr Hamer was taken to Trafford General Hospital, where the stayed for two days, suffering from black eyes, a bruised forehead, tenderness and bruising to his ribs.

In a victim impact statement, he said he took 11 tablets a day for a heart condition and was registered as 45 per cent disabled.

He said the injuries, which still caused him pain, meant he was no longer able to care for his wife, who suffers from short-term memory loss.

The court heard how both Taylor and the youth were arrested but denied any involvement in the attack.

Mr Roxborough said the youth's involvement constituted a breach of an ASBO he was given three years ago, which banned him from associating with named people including Taylor.

He was also banned from acting in a manner which caused harassment, alarm or distress, congregating in a public place with more than three people, or being in a public place after 10pm without a responsible adult.

The court heard how he had previous convictions for a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.

Taylor had been handed a suspended sentence just two weeks before the attack for offences of damaging property, burglary and witness intimidation.

He had been convicted after an incident at a care home in Old Trafford, when he had thrown stones at windows, broken in and banged on doors inside. He later went back to the home and threatened a witness not to give evidence in court against him.

He also had previous convictions for possessing a bladed article, robbery, attempted robbery and battery.

Defending the youth, Joe Rawlings said: "He is a very complicated young man.

"The positive aspect is that when he is offered assistance, has responded very pro-actively."

Nick Clarke, defending said Taylor needed "guidance and structure".

"He is capable of leading a worthwhile and sober life," he said.

Sentencing them, Judge Bernard Lever told the youth he was a "danger to the public".

He said: "Your behaviour was a disgrace.

"I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of yourself."