'Weight' and 'Gypsy' taunts led to attack, Scunthorpe court told - Lincolnshire

From the Scunthorpe Telegraph

TAUNTS about his weight and being a Gypsy led a man to kick and punch the perpetrator, a court in Scunthorpe heard.

Robert Beswick had gone to the shops to buy rice for his dad’s water-damaged phone when he came across a man who is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with his father.

Beswick, 20, of West Acridge in Barton, admitted assault occasioning harm at a hearing at North Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court.

Anthony Mowbray, prosecuting, told the court the incident was part of a longer running incident that is also going through the courts.

Beswick is said to have known about an alleged early altercation and saw the victim stood outside the Spice Lounge in Barton on his way home from the shops.

Mr Mowbray said Beswick attacked the victim who then fell to the floor. When he did, Beswick delivered punches and kicks to the victim who was later taken to Hull Royal Infirmary.

He sustained a fracture to the cheekbone, but there is no evidence this was a result of injuries sustained following the attack by Beswick.

In police interview, Beswick said he had been taunted about his weight and being a Gypsy and reacted.

However, he told police he acted in self-defence, fearing an attack by the other man.

Graham Rix, prosecuting, said Beswick believed he had not done anything to fracture the victim’s cheekbone and there was no evidence to suggest this.

Mr Rix said: “Some abuse was hurled his way – things that are not nice to be called by anyone. He confronted the man about an incident between him and his father and blows were struck.

“He should not have reacted in the way that the did – he lost his cool and this is a learning curve. He is not a man who will trouble the courts again.”

Beswick was given a 12-month community order, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 compensation, costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.