|
From the
http://www.kentonline.co.uk 23 July 2013. By Sian Napier
Friends jailed for attacking soldiers outside Royal Oak pub in Lydd
Five friends who launched a "wholly unprovoked" attack on a group of
soldiers at a pub in Lydd have been sent to prison.
The attack, at the "Royal Oak," took place while customers were
enjoying a Halloween fancy dress party.
During the assault, a soldier was kicked while he was on the ground
and the attackers tried to stamp on his head.
One of the victims will need reconstructive surgery after suffering a
broken nose, the court heard.
Steven Humphries, 24, Danny Bruin, 26, Daniel Humphries, 31, Daniel
Foster, 23, and 24-year-old Craig Addy all admitted affray at Canterbury
Crown Court.
The judge, Recorder Paul Taylor, said the worst aspect of the case
was the attack involved kicking a man on the ground.
He told the five: "The fact that he suffered no lasting injuries is a
matter of fortune. He could easily have been badly hurt.
"One was not so fortunate. He suffered a broken nose leaving him
unable to breathe properly."
Prosecutor Jim Harvey said the soldiers, who had been on exercises on
nearby Ministry of Defence property, were outside the pub at about
10.30pm on Friday, October 26 last year when they became aware trouble
was brewing.
The incident was captured on CCTV when Daniel Humphries approached a
group of soldiers and words were exchanged. He was joined by Foster,
Bruin and Steven Humphries.
Mr Harvey said: "Daniel Humphries, without any provocation, struck
one of the soldiers and another two."
The victims were punched, kicked and thumped, he said.
"The soldiers said the attack was wholly unprovoked and they felt
they had been targeted because they were members of the Armed Forces,"
Mr Harvey added.
"Attempts were made to stamp on one soldier's head."
Ged O'Connor, defending Daniel and Steven Humphries and Bruin, said
all three had worked all their lives and were full of remorse that they
got involved in the attack.
Kerry Waitt, for Foster, said he could not explain why he became
involved and went to the pub in fancy dress intending to have a good
time with his girlfriend.
He said: "The only explanation he can offer is that of the herd
instinct of following his friends. He was shocked when he saw the CCTV
coverage."
Nicholas Maggs, defending Addy, said he had a young family who relied
on him and the offence would not be repeated.
Recorder Taylor said: "This was undoubtedly fuelled by alcohol. It
was wholly unprovoked and you kicked a man who was down."
In sentencing Daniel Humphries - of The Derrings, Lydd - to 14 months
in prison, Recorder Taylor said he was the oldest, had started the
trouble and had orchestrated it.
Steven Humphries, of Greenway, Lydd; Bruin, of Hythe Road, Dymchurch;
Foster, of Eastern Road, Lydd; and Addy, Paddock Close, Lydd, were each
jailed for a year. |
)