Askam man sentenced after prolonged assault at Dalton pub
An Askam man has been sentenced after carrying out what magistrates described as a “prolonged assault” at a Dalton pub.
Lee Maher, 43, of Lots Road, Askam, admitted two counts of assault by beating when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that Maher attacked a man twice during an incident at the Newton Arms on February 8.
Victim grabbed by the neck
Prosecutor Lee Dacre said a verbal argument had started between Maher’s partner and a group of women inside the pub.
The victim asked Maher’s partner whether she was okay.
However, Maher misunderstood the situation and grabbed the man by the neck before pushing him to the ground.
Maher then left the pub.
Maher returned with face covered
Around 20 minutes later, Maher returned while wearing a snood or balaclava which covered his face.
He then punched the victim in the face before leaving the pub again.
Mr Dacre told the court that Maher had a history of violence and had previously received a suspended prison sentence.
Defence says Maher misunderstood situation
Defence solicitor Andy Gallagher said Maher accepted full responsibility for what he had done.
He told the court that Maher wished to apologise to the victim and to the magistrates.
Mr Gallagher said Maher had been drinking and had “got the wrong end of the stick”.
He added that Maher ran his own business, employed two people and hoped to avoid a prison sentence.
The court was also told that Maher had a good work ethic and could complete useful work through the probation service.
Magistrates impose community order
The court’s legal adviser said Maher had a “fairly significant record for violence”, although he had not committed an offence for almost three years.
Magistrates placed him under a 12-month community order.
As part of the sentence, Maher must complete:
- 100 hours of unpaid work
- 10 rehabilitation activity days
- A 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement
The chair of the magistrates’ bench said substantial force had been used during the prolonged assault.
Maher was also ordered to pay the victim £200 in compensation, along with £85 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
