Leadgate man punched and kicked 'friend' in sudden violent outburst

Durham Crown Court heard that John Pinder had been drinking at his now former friend’s home, on September 3, 2021, when a dispute arose over what was described by prosecutor Martin Towers as, “a family matter”.

At one point, when the complainant thought that the issue was over with, Pinder stood up and walked over to him.

Mr Towers said the defendant began punching his long-term associate in the ribs and then to the head, with a flurry of blows.

Read more: Police attacked responding to violent outburst in Leadgate home

The victim raised his hands to protect his head and urged Pinder to stop as it was hurting.

But he did not stop and continued punching the other man with full force, at least ten more times.

Mr Towers said the incident is believed to have lasted about two minutes, during which Pinder said nothing, before he stepped back and began kicking the victim with the sole of his shoes.

The injured man said he believed he passed out at that stage as he has no memory beyond then of the incident.

Mr Towers said the victim next recalls his daughter being present and the defendant had left the house.

He suffered a displaced fracture to the wrist, which required surgery, and is still said to cause him problems, plus a broken nose and multiple bruises and swellings.

Mr Towers said the defendant made telephone contact with the victim’s daughter shortly after the incident in which he made comments which could be construed as making admissions and an apology.

Pinder then went on to try to make contact with phone calls and messages to the complainant, between September 14 and January, last year, in which he suggested they should, “sort it out” without involving the police and that people were calling him (the victim), “a grass”.

But the victim did not respond to the messages or answer the calls.

Read more: "Chaotic drunk" from Crook jailed for catalogue of offending

In his impact statement he said he had known the defendant for more than 20 years and had previously helped him out, but the unprovoked attack left him frightened to go out and he had considered moving away from the area, in case the defendant came looking for him upon his release from prison.

Pinder, 31, formerly of Leadgate, near Consett, denied charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation, but on the day of his scheduled trial changed pleas and admitted both offences, earlier this month (February 13).

The sentencing hearing was told the defendant's 45 previous offences recorded against him include a number for violence which have resulted in jail sentences.

Mr Towers said since the incident involving his former friend, Pinder has received a 20-month sentence for another offence of violence, imposed at Lincoln Crown Court, in March last year.

David Eager, in mitigation, said the defendant, “saw the folly of his denials” and indicated he would be admitting the charges in January, but it was not until the case reached court, earlier ths month, that he was actually able to tender his pleas.

“Since the commission of this offence he’s had the chance to sit in prison contemplating this matter.”

Mr Eager said had the case been dealt with sooner the defendant could have been sentenced for both the Lincoln matter and these offences together.

As a result none of the time he has spent in custody will come off this sentence.

“He knows he’s destroyed the friendship with this man through his actions.

“He’s engaged in anger management courses in prison and he’s determined, when he comes out of prison, to live a law-abiding life.

“Only time will tell.

“Through me, he wants to apologise to the complainant in this case.

"He knows his behaviour that day was entirely wrong.”

Judge James Adkin told Mr Eager: “He has a terrible record for violence. It’s an appalling record.”

Imposing a total 28-month prison sentence, Judge Adkin told Pinder: “You lost your temper with a man you had known for some time, punching him repeatedly and then kicking him.

“He was reduced to a pitiful condition.

“This was a persistent assault, given the number of punches and kicks.

“You were fortunate not to have a section 20 (charge of unlawful wounding).”

Read next:

               Two men in court after four police officers are injured while dealing with incident in Leadgate, near Consett

               Seaham drug abuser hopes to overcome her heroin addiction in custody

               Injured woman fled to County Durham petrol station to report domestic attack

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The judge imposed 24 months for the assault but added four months for the intimidation charge.

He also made the defendant subject of a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting or approaching his victim for the next 15 years.

Judge Adkin warned the defendant that any breach would see him returning to prison.