Morris dance attacker avoids jail
A man who attacked his stepdaughter's boyfriend during a morris dancing event has walked free from court.
A judge heard that Robert Williams' victim, Daniel Stirrup, had forgiven him and wanted them to put the matter behind them.
Judge David Aubrey QC said that Williams was "mortified" at what he had done and was full of real contrition and remorse.
He sentenced 39-year-old Williams to 30 weeks' imprisonment suspended for 12 months and placed him under supervision for a year, on condition he attends a substance misuse course.
Williams, of Lindon Avenue, Ashton-in-Makerfield, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding on November 7 last year.
Harry Pepper, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that the two men went to Old Road Labour Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield for a morris dancing presentation.
They drank to excess and during a conversation about Williams' stepdaughter, Williams grabbed Mr Stirrup around the neck and pushed him into a toilet cubicle.
Mr Stirrup fell and Williams threw punches at him but they did not land. He managed to get out of the toilets, said Mr Pepper.
But shortly afterwards Williams walked towards Mr Stirrup and again grabbed him around the neck and forced him into the ladies toilets, banging his head on the frame of a mirror causing a cut.
People came in and dragged Williams off him. The victim needed six stitches.
Paul Treble, defending, said Williams had pleaded guilty and was genuinely upset at his behaviour.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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