Reveller suffered brain injuries after being punched unconscious for spitting at homeless man and kicking water over him in Leeds city centre

A man suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to his brain after a he was punched by a homeless man who attacked him in retaliation for being mocked and spat at.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Craig Dennis left the victim with life-changing injuries in the attack outside a fast food restaurant on Albion Street in Leeds city centre

Leeds Crown Court heard the victim and his partner had been out celebrating their anniversary with friends on February 8 this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Richard Davies, prosecuting, said the incident happened when the couple went to a takeaway at around 3am.

Craig Dennins was jailed for 28 months over the attack in Leeds city centre.Craig Dennins was jailed for 28 months over the attack in Leeds city centre.
Craig Dennins was jailed for 28 months over the attack in Leeds city centre.

Mr Davies said the man went outside while they waited for their order.

His partner rang him on his mobile phone when the food arrived but he did not answer.

She looked out of the window and saw him on the floor with people standing around him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The court heard security staff restrained three homeless men after there had been a confrontation with the victim.

One of the men was heard to say: "We are going to kick his head in. He asked if we wanted food and he spat on us like dogs."

Mr Davies said CCTV footage showed Dennis going to the shop doorway where he had been settled for the night to put on his shoes.

Dennis then went back to the victim and struck him once.

The man was knocked unconscious and struck his head on the pavement.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dennis was arrested and told police in interview that the man had kicked a cup of water in his face and spat on him as he laid on his sleeping bag.

The prosecutor said the victim suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to his brain.

He is still in hospital six month after the attack.

Mr Davies said: "The victim continues to be significantly affected by the incident.

"There has been some improvement in his condition but he has difficulties with walking."

The victim is also receiving speech and language therapy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dennis, 33, of Spen Crescent, West Park, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He has 53 previous convictions for theft, burglary and violent offences.

Phillip Beardwell, mitigating, said Dennis pleaded guilty to the offence on the basis that he used excessive self-defence.

Mr Beardwell said Dennis was sorry for the injuries he had caused.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "It was a single punch and one that had a dreadful impact on the victim."

Dennis was jailed for 28 months.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said: "He (the victim) was boorish and anti-social and kicked a cup of water in your direction and subjected you to verbal abuse.

"It was an unpleasant incident but it was over.

"You and two others were more than capable of seeing him off. Security guards were present and the incident had been diffused.

"You were acting anger.

"You went back to your sleeping bag, put your shoes on and took a running punch at your victim.

"He was unconscious before he hit the floor.

"That running punch was to a defenceless man who was not posing any threat to you.

"You rendered him unconscious and he suffered life-changing injuries."