Prejudiced thug who attacked and tormented disabled neighbour sent back to jail

Shocked Wigan and Leigh magistrates branded Kalvin Armstrong “cowardly” after hearing he battered Frank Grace – who is deaf, mute and has a brain injury – only days after completing a previous prison sentence.

He had already sent his victim threatening texts and Facebook messages and afterwards sent another one saying that if he reported the assault to police Armstrong would tell them things about him.

In one message, the hearing was told, Grace was offensively abused.

The court was told that the attack happened at 4pm on Saturday, May 23 after 27-year-old Armstrong, of Worthington Street, Hindley, noticed that his neighbour had left his door ajar.The bench heard that the defendant walked into the flat and punched Grace in the face causing his nose to bleed and causing a gash to its bridge.

Armstrong pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Grace by beating and to sending electronic communications - namely Facebook messages and texts - containing threats designed to cause distress and anxiety between May 16 and 24.

He received a six-week prison term for the assault and 16 weeks for the abusive messages. The sentences are to be served consecutively, making a total of 22 weeks behind bars.

Jailing him, the chair of the bench told him: “These were cowardly acts over a period of days.

“You were ridiculing a vulnerable person because of his disabilities which culminated in an assault upon his person.

“You were targeting a vulnerable person which must attract a custodial sentence.

“The last sentence of imprisonment against you was successfully completed but within 11 days of its being completed you have offended again.”

Armstrong was ordered to pay his victim £100 and a year-long restraining order was imposed which not only prevents him from having any contact with Mr Grace but also from entering Worthington Street once out of jail, so he is also effectively evicted.

No victim services surcharge was ordered because Armstrong did not have sufficient means to pay that as well as the compensation. Justices said they also gave him credit for his swift guilty pleas.