Blackwood man wrong to 'take law into his hands' - judge (From South Wales Argus)

Blackwood man wrong to 'take law into his hands' - judge

1:20pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

A JUDGE criticised a Blackwood man for taking the law into his own hands.

Julian Charles, 18, of Millbrook Road, Blackwood, told police he attacked Adam Griffiths because he believed he had been involved in an alleged offence, although Mr Griffiths does not face any criminal charges.

Prosecutor Gareth James told Newport Crown Court Mr Griffiths had been at a pub in Pontllanffraith on November 16 last year when an argument broke out between him and Charles.

“The complainant went outside and the defendant knocked him to the ground,”

said Mr James.

Mr Griffiths cleaned his injury in the pub toilet and, at 1.30am, began to walk home. The defendant grabbed Mr Griffiths and kicked him in the head before the police arrived.

Charles admitted kicking Mr Griffiths 10 times while he was on the floor.

Andrew Jones, mitigating, said Charles he had consumed 12 pints of lager that night, and showed remorse.

For attempted grievously bodily harm Charles was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months with supervision. He must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work, stay at home between 8pm and 8am and pay £420 towards costs, as well as £100 surcharge.