Man walking down Grimsby street with headphones on was pounced on and dragged into alley

Grimsby Crown Court
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)


A man attacked a stranger in a Grimsby street at shortly after 8am and said he was after a bottle of whisky, a court heard.

The victim said he had lived in Grimsby all his life but now no longer feels safe to walk the streets. A defence barrister said his client has since converted to Islam and does not touch alcohol or drugs.

At Grimsby Crown Court, William Robertson, 25, of The Cooperage, East Street, Grimsby admitted three offences, including theft and assault and a further offence of assault by beating of his former girlfriend. Prosecuting, Craig Lowe said the victim was walking near the junction of Pasture Street and Heneage Road listening to music on headphones at 8.10am on March 8 when he was pounced upon and dragged into an alley.

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His coat was pulled up over his head and he was unable to see his attacker as he was repeatedly punched in the face, through his coat. Robertson then pulled the jumper over his victim and again punched him. Mr Lowe said the dazed man asked why he was being attacked and Robertson replied: "I was only asking for a bottle of whisky."

A tussle ensued with both men struggling with one another, until the victim fell over and was kicked on the ground. The victim told police that he saw his attacker with "something shiny" in his hand and recalled the threat "I have got a knife. I'm going to stab you."

Mr Lowe said the victim's mobile phone, headphones and glasses fell out in the struggle, during which time the victim took hold of the attacker's jacket and retaliated.

When the victim sought aid from an assistant in a nearby shop, he was followed by Robertson into the store, who demanded the return of his coat and claimed he was the one being hit. The two men exchanged coats and the police were called.

The victim suffered eight cuts to his face, back, his neck and shoulders, the prosecutor told. Mr Lowe read from the victim impact statement, in which the man said: "I have always lived in Grimsby and never thought about my safety.

"Now I am wary of people when I am out and looking out when people approach me from behind. I never wear headphones in public and will be more wary when I am out and about."

He said he had tickets for a Peter Kaye show in Manchester that weekend and it "totally ruined my weekend." He went to the show with a friend but went straight back to the hotel afterwards rather than go out in public, due to his facial injuries.

Mr Lowe said Robertson had 24 convictions recorded against him for 42 offences, including robbery, affray, theft and assault. He also admitting assaulting his girlfriend

For Robertson, Michael Masson said his client had joined the Islamic faith. "It has been a support to him," he said. He added he was not clear if he was under the influence of anything at the time of the offences.

When questioned by Judge Mark Bury, Roberston described his time on remand in custody in prison as "shocking." He said: "I am not taking drugs or alcohol. I am going to sort my life out and be a father to my kids. I will get back to painting and decorating. This is not the life I want to live. It is not a normal life. It is terrible (in prison). I'm on the vulnerable prisoners' wing. I got stabbed in the arm ."

Robertson added: "i don't want my son saying to friends in the school playground '"My Dad's in prison. He's a criminal."

Judge Bury said: "I am giving you a chance today that some people say you don't deserve. If you mess up you will be going back to prison."

He added: "You don't want your son telling others his father is a down-and-out and not being embarrassed by you but proud of you. You appear to be motivated to put the past behind you. You are lucky. You have a partner, accommodation and the prospect of a job. Prove to everybody that you are past all this. You have responsibilities now."

He jailed Robertson for a total of 12 months. He said he had been in custody since March so will likely be released in the next few days.