A DRUNKEN Rowley Regis man who broke the jaw of a disabled man with a single "powerful" punch in a completely unprovoked street attack has been locked up for 15 months.
Darren Cartwright had been left with a number of disabilities after suffering a stroke and he collapsed just moments after being viciously struck by 39 year old Jason Hillman as he made his way home from a club.
Mr Cartwright who was rendered unconscious by the blow had been left psychologically damaged as a result of the attack and he was now too frightened and scared to leave his home.
"This was an unprovoked attack by a drunken man," Judge Barry Berlin told Hillman. "Mr Cartwright turned round and the next thing he saw was you hit him with a very heavy punch."
He said it was clear Mr Cartwright had been hurt by the blow and added: "He had done nothing to provoke this. He was punched for absolutely no reason."
Hillman, of Dudhill Road, had denied inflicting grievous bodily harm but he was convicted by a jury at the end of his trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Simon Warlock prosecuting said Mr Cartwright managed to stagger home before collapsing and he had to spend a night in hospital.
When Hillman was arrested he was very drunk and he continued be aggressive as he head-butted a window in the police patrol car.
When questioned later Hillman told officers he had acted in self-defence but the jury felt that was clearly untrue, added Mr Warlock.
He said Mr Cartwright was a vulnerable victim because of his disabilities and it was fortunate the injury he sustained had not been far more serious.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel