Man Jailed for 32 Months for Attacking Friend
A man has been jailed for leaving his former friend needing life-long care after he attacked him as he slept.
Violent attack
Liverpool Crown Court heard how Craig Martin was asleep on the sofa at his mother’s house when Richard Evans ‘burst in’ and repeatedly punched him. According to the prosecution, Mr Evans struck Mr Martin around eight times, attacking him so violently that he suffered a cardiac arrest and was unconscious for three quarters of an hour.
The court heard that the attack, which has left Mr Martin with neurological damage including visual, cognitive and memory problems, occurred following a minor dispute between the pair on Facebook.
Life-changing injuries
Since the attack, Mr Martin has had a defibrillator inserted in his chest and requires constant, around the clock care. Medics warned that Mr Martin, who suffered from a genetic heart condition at the time of the assault, could have died at any moment during the attack and is now unable to care for his children.
Peter Hussey, prosecuting, said:
“He remains unable to perform daily tasks without being prompted to do so, is unable to initiate things for himself and he has difficulty making choices…
“He becomes frustrated and angry and it is feared he may never be able to live independently.”
Judge Graham Morrow, QC, said he hoped that Mr Evans will walk away from violence in future. He added:
“Your mindless action could have easily led to fatal consequences.”
Evans, of Challis Street, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for a total of 32 months.
Criminal Injury – Expert Advice
We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.
There is, however, a government Scheme that provides compensation to victims or their families who have been the innocent victims of violent crime. The Scheme is called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email
Source: Liverpool Echo
