A thug soaked a man in petrol after brandishing a hammer during a noise dispute at a caravan park. Kevin Tucker left his victim with a broken shoulder after taking umbrage at loud music playing from a car. Another resident, Barry Parkes, confronted Tucker about the attack, swinging a hammer but missing. Tucker then doused Parkes in petrol, shouting threats as children watched.
Attack at Halewood Caravan Park
Liverpool Crown Court heard that on March 16 last year, Alan Crosby was playing music in his car outside his home on Halewood Caravan Park around midday. Tucker, along with his 80-year-old father, approached the vehicle, leading to a verbal argument. Tucker struck Crosby in the face, then continued grappling, dragging him to the ground and punching him until another resident intervened. Crosby suffered a fractured left shoulder, cuts, and bruises.
Vigilante Confrontation
After Tucker retreated to his parents' caravan, Parkes, an associate of Crosby, grabbed a hammer and challenged Tucker. Tucker retrieved a petrol can from his car and, as Parkes swung the hammer repeatedly but missed, Tucker doused him with petrol six times. Parkes, 59, has 17 prior convictions for 31 offences, including a 2019 assault with a hammer.
Legal Proceedings
Olivia Belle, representing Parkes, said he did not minimize his actions and deeply regretted them, especially as his son was present. She noted his caring responsibilities and health issues. Tucker, with no prior convictions but a 2007 caution for a neighbour dispute, had his barrister Rebecca Smith cite repetitive noise from Crosby as background, though not an excuse. Tucker pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent, affray, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Sentencing
Tucker received a 10-month suspended sentence for a year, with 25 days of rehabilitation, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and a five-year restraining order against Crosby. Parkes admitted to affray and possession of an offensive weapon, receiving a 16-week suspended sentence for a year, plus 25 days of rehabilitation and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement.
Judge Gary Woodhall noted that both had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and significant personal mitigation, leading to suspended sentences under new laws for custodial sentences of a year or less.
