A homeless man who launched a vicious attack on his friend, punching, kicking and stamping on his head in an assault captured on CCTV, has been jailed. Shane Newman, 37, attacked Stuart Barton outside Adams Court in Cardiff on August 6, just weeks after being handed a suspended prison sentence.
The assault came to light when Mr Barton entered the homeless shelter in Adamsdown covered in blood across his head and face. At a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Monday, it was heard the victim refused to tell staff what had happened or who caused his injuries. Newman was outside the premises and was told to leave by police officers after remonstrating with staff.
CCTV footage reveals attack
Police later recovered CCTV footage from Adams Court which captured the attack upon Mr Barton. Prosecutor Jason Howells said the footage showed the victim leaving Adams Court and crouching down as two people, including Newman, approached him. After a brief conversation, Newman struck the victim, pushed him, and kneed him in the face, causing him to fall onto his back.
The defendant was then seen stamping on Mr Barton's head before punching him several times and kicking him. Newman briefly walked away before approaching the victim, who was attempting to get back into Adams Court. He took hold of Mr Barton, punched him repeatedly, forced him to his knees, kicked him, and placed him in a headlock, forcing him down again.
Staff intervene and arrest follows
By this time, members of staff at Adams Court intervened and Mr Barton was released from the assault. The defendant was then seen to pick up a glass bottle and smash it on the floor before walking off.
Newman, of Tyndall Street, Butetown, Cardiff, was identified on the CCTV and arrested but refused to leave his cell to be interviewed. He later pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard he has a total of 42 previous convictions, including a suspended prison sentence he is in breach of.
Remorse and sentencing
In mitigation, Hannah Friedman said her client was homeless at the time of the offence, was having mental health issues, and does not recall the assault. After viewing the CCTV, the defendant was said to be "disgusted" with himself and genuinely remorseful for his actions.
Sentencing, Recorder David Gareth Jones described the video of the assault as "extremely unpleasant and shocking viewing". Newman was sentenced to a total of 18 months imprisonment.
