Leeds man spared jail after assaulting thief who tried to break into his home

A MAN who assaulted a burglar after he tried to break into his home in Leeds has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Steven Eastwood, 38, was handed the sentence after a court heard he left the man needing hospital treatment after he punched him several times to the head.

Leeds Crown Court heard Eastwood’s partner and young child where at home when the man tried to break in on November 10, 2014. The man was later arrested in connection with the offence and released on bail.

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Jeremy Hill-Baker, prosecuting, said Eastwood went to the man’s house the following day after he received information about the identity of the person who had targeted his home. Eastwood accused the man of trying to break into his home before attacking him.

The assault was not initially reported to the police. The incident came to light when two Police Community Support Officers went to the man’s to check that he was complying with his bail condition. The attack was reported when the PCSOs saw the man had injuries to his face. He had also suffered a fractured rib. The court heard he was taken to hospital and was kept in overnight for observation.

Eastwood, of Brambling Mews, Morley, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Matthew Harding, mitigating, said Eastwood had lost his temper after being told who had broken into his home. Mr Harding said Eastwood accepted that he should have dealt with the situation differently.

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The barrister said: “He knows only too well the risk he runs of going to custody today.”

Eastwood was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work and pay £1,500 compensation to the man he attacked.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The man initially arrested on suspicion of burglary was released from bail with no further action being taken after it was quickly established he was not responsible for the offence.”