A man said to be capable of “explosive violence” has received an extended six-year prison sentence for an unprovoked attack on a vulnerable man.

On leaving a fish and chip shop, Darren Yates drove past the victim, who was sitting on a bench in Seaham town centre, before returning, getting out of his car and pummelling him with three to four punches.

As the defenceless man fell to the ground, apparently unconscious, Yates then stamped on him at least once, and possibly twice, as well as throwing a further punch, before returning to his car and driving away, leaving the victim motionless and unresponsive on the ground.

Durham Crown Court heard that it was known that the victim suffered brain injuries after having a heart attack in 2019 but was still capable of going out unaided up to the point on this incident, at 7.20pm on July 20 this year.

Read more: Man punched prone victim four times and stamped on him twice in attack in Seaham

Paul Rooney, prosecuting, said following the attack police arrived on scene and the victim was taken to hospital suffering abrasions, bruising and swellings to the scalp and upper lip, but a scan revealed a brain contusion and possible small haemorrhage.

Mr Rooney said Yates was identified on cctv footage in the vicinity, in Adelaide Row, and was arrested at his home address later that evening.

The 39-year-old defendant, of Essex Crescent, Seaham, who has been in custody since his arrest, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent at a plea hearing in mid-August.

His sentencing hearing was adjourned to allow for the preparation of a report by the Probation Service to assess his dangerousness.

Mr Rooney told the sentencing hearing the victim was so vulnerable he could only be interviewed some time later with the help of an intermediary and told police he could not recall much of the incident.

He said he is now afraid to go out on his own as he fears being attacked, while he also finds it difficult to sleep.

Mr Rooney referred to the probation report, in which the defendant alleged the victim of this attack and two other males assaulted him in 2016.

Police were informed of the attack and Yates received treatment for bruising and swelling, but no fractures and was given medication for pain relief.

Read more: Man punched woman three times in Seaham flat row

Mr Rooney said records confirm there was an incident reported to police in April 2016, in which the defendant named one other person as being responsible, but two others involved were said to be unknown to him.

The court was told the defendant has 27 convictions for 57 offences, including some for violence which have resulted in past custodial sentences.

Michael Cahill, for Yates, said most of the defendant’s serious offending was some time ago now and he has tried to turn his life around in more recent years.

“Clearly this has failed and he’s devastated by that and he has let down his family.

“He had put behind him the more serious offending of nine or ten years ago, but clearly, he has failed to do that as a result of this incident.”

Judge James Adkin told Yates that, “in brutal fashion”, he attacked a vulnerable man, “utterly unable to defend himself”.

The judge said apart from the injuries it seems to have had a serious impact on the victim’s independence.

He said he had serious concerns about the defendant, who carried out, “a brutal and cowardly attack on someone who had had a heart attack”, and still appears capable of, “explosive violence.”

Judge Adkin, therefore, imposed an extended determinate sentence, featuring a six-year custodial element, of which the defendant must serve two-thirds before being eligible for release by the Parole Board, but he may have to serve the full term behind bars.

Upon his release he will then be subject to three years' extended licence period.

The judge recommended that a condition of his licence should be to forbid Yates from contacting the victim in this case.

Read next:

               Victim asked defendant for bottle opener outside Peterlee pub prior to assault

               Jailing of man for prolonged attack among cases sentenced at Durham Crown Court in recent days

               County Durham rapist poses 'high risk' of sexual harm to women

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