Two men have been jailed after subjecting a woman to a horrifying barrage of body-shaming insults in a Cheshire pub, in an incident that culminated in one of them assaulting a police officer.
Jack Atherton, 30, and William Gannon, 31, targeted the victim with what prosecutors described as 'disgusting' and 'degrading' comments about her weight at The Crown & Cushion pub in the village of Warmingham. The court heard how the woman was left feeling 'physically sick' and deeply distressed by the unprovoked verbal attack.
A Disturbing Escalation
The situation escalated when police were called to the establishment. Upon arrival, officers attempted to calm the aggressive duo. However, Atherton's behaviour turned physically violent. He lashed out, kicking a male police officer in the chest during the confrontation.
Gannon, from Crewe, pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. Atherton, of Middlewich, admitted to the same public order offence, as well as a charge of assaulting an emergency worker.
Justice Served at Chester Magistrates' Court
At Chester Magistrates' Court, the pair faced the consequences of their actions. William Gannon was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks in prison. Jack Atherton received a more substantial sentence of 27 weeks imprisonment, reflecting the additional assault charge.
In addition to their jail terms, the court imposed a two-year restraining order, legally forbidding both men from having any contact with the woman they victimised.
This case highlights the very real consequences of public harassment and violence towards both members of the public and the emergency services who work to protect them.
