A man who embarked on a naked, drug-fuelled rampage, causing panic on the streets of Greater Manchester and showing a 'shameful lack of respect' by urinating on a war memorial, has been sent to prison.
A Summer's Afternoon of Terror
The chaotic episode began on the afternoon of June 29. Patrons at a local pub were among the first to witness the bizarre behaviour of Rhys Hicks, who was initially seen wearing only boxers and trainers before disappearing into some trees and re-emerging completely naked.
Once naked, Hicks began his rampage, randomly attacking vehicles by punching and kicking cars, leaving motorists in a state of fear and panic. The shocking scenes were captured on video and subsequently viewed tens of thousands of times online.
Assault on a Driver and Public Intervention
The situation escalated at around 5pm on Manchester Old Road. Paul Yates was driving with his 11-year-old granddaughter when, stuck in traffic, he found himself directly in the path of the still-naked Hicks.
Hicks launched an attack on Mr Yates, punching and kicking him and even dragging him briefly from his car. The terrifying assault was only stopped when brave members of the public intervened, restraining the out-of-control thug until police officers arrived to arrest him.
A 'Shameful' Act and a 'Two-Day Bender'
During his rampage, Hicks committed what the sentencing judge would later describe as a particularly disgraceful act: he urinated on a war memorial. Recorder Jeremy Lasker labelled this a 'shameful lack of respect to the war dead'.
It was also revealed in Manchester Crown Court that earlier on the same day, Hicks had been at the home of an acquaintance, Jillian Newton, in Middleton. There, he became aggressive, shouting incomprehensibly, pushing her against a wall, and causing her to fall. She fled and suffered a panic attack.
Hicks later admitted to police that he had been on a 'two day bender' involving alcohol and cocaine. His defence lawyer, Rebecca Caulfield, stated that he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and 'entirely blames' drink and drugs for his actions, expressing that he is sorry for his behaviour.
Sentencing and Public Impact
Recorder Lasker, during sentencing, emphasised the profound impact of Hicks's actions on the public. He stated that the behaviour was 'the stuff that members of the public simply dread' and doubted that the motorists involved would ever forget the traumatic event.
Rhys Hicks, previously of Stockport, pleaded guilty to a total of six charges:
- Two counts of criminal damage
- One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- One count of assault by beating
- One count of affray
- One count of causing danger to road users
He was sentenced to 16 months in prison and is expected to serve 40% of that term behind bars.
