Violent Matthew Birchall punched a man outside his own home and stamped on him 15 times. The 45-year-old went to the victim’s Leek home at 8.30pm on June 20, 2022 and when the man stepped outside for a cigarette, Birchall, without speaking, punched him in the face.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the victim felt a blow to the back of his head which caused him to fall to the floor. He covered his head but felt repeated stamps, he believes 15, before Birchall stopped and left.
After suffering lumps to the back of his head, the victim went to the Macclesfield General Hospital and was told he may have concussion.
Prosecutor Lee Stone said: “The victim opened the kitchen door and saw a man about one metre away. He recognised the defendant. He was surprised he was at his door. He has never had anything to do with him as a friend or acquintance.
“He had seen him a number of times in shops in Leek. Before any words were spoken the defendant punched him in the face. He felt a blow to the rear of his head which caused him to fall to the floor. He covered his head but felt repeated stamps. He thinks the defendant stamped on him 15 times. He felt it would never stop. The defendant ran out the rear yard. It was a prolonged and persistent assault. There was use of a shod foot.”
Birchall, of Waterloo Mill, Waterloo Street, Leek, denied assault by beating but was convicted after a trial held in his absence on March 15 last year. He admitted failing to surrender to court.
Paige Morgan, mitigating, said Birchall had not been before the court for 25 years. She said the assault dated back to 2022 and there had been no incidents since. Miss Morgan added that Birchall suffers from short-term memory loss and amnesia and is unable to work.
Magistrates sentenced Birchall to 26 weeks custody, suspended for two years, with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 25 days. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation, £600 costs and a £154 surcharge.
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