A successful Cheshire businessman has been found guilty of assault following a furious confrontation with a teenage boy over an open packet of biscuits at his £1.5 million country home.
The Incident That Sparked the Confrontation
John Robinson, a 55-year-old electrical contractor, reportedly 'blew his top' on January 22 this year after discovering a pack of Digestives and a vape in a bedroom. The discovery was made during a search of his imposing five-bedroom property in Plumley, near Knutsford, which sits on 3.7 acres and includes a paddock, stables, and a separate cottage.
Robinson, who runs the firm Con-Tech, was said to be frustrated due to previous problems with mice at the rural property. The situation escalated when he confronted a 17-year-old boy about the items. The teenager responded by laughing and mockingly stating, 'I'm scared,' which further enraged Robinson.
In his anger, Robinson tipped up the room and threw a glass of orange juice towards the lad. The glass smashed but did not hit the boy. The entire incident was captured on a mobile phone by Robinson's partner, Emily Stamp, 49, who subsequently provided the footage to police.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Warrington Magistrates' Court, Robinson admitted two counts of common assault. No physical injury was caused, but the charge was based on the teenager's 'fear of violence.'
Robinson was fined £934 and ordered to pay £824 in costs and a surcharge. He was also given a 12-month restraining order, banning him from contacting the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Sentencing him, Justice of the Peace Brian Gallagher remarked: 'We have all dealt with teenagers and we just have to be patient with them. You are a sensible man but on this occasion you blew your top. We all have to act appropriately when we are around children.'
Gallagher advised Robinson to 'act with a bit more patience and consideration. Children can be trying at the best of times and you have to bear that in mind. You have to be more patient with them.'
Mitigation and Aftermath
In mitigation, Robinson's lawyer, Samuel Fixter, explained that the search was prompted by concerns over illegal vapes. He stated, 'My client will say "If I intended to hit him I could quite easily have done. It was just out of anger to show my frustration not to cause injury."'
He also noted that Robinson had sought counselling and psychiatric support at great personal expense following the incident.
In a victim impact statement, Emily Stamp described the event as occurring during a 'family crisis.' She revealed the prosecution had taken a 'significant toll' on her mental health, and she had asked to retract her witness statement. She added that the couple had 'worked extremely hard over the last 20 years' and that losing their stability was 'devastating.'
The case highlights how a momentary loss of temper, even within a domestic setting, can lead to serious legal consequences, including a criminal record and a restraining order.
