Street robber fractured man's skull in knuckle duster attack, Leeds Crown Court told

A drug addict who fractured a man's skull with a knuckle duster as he robbed him in the street has been jailed.
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The victim had been walking home from the pub in broad daylight when he was punched unconscious by 37-year-old Simon Watson and then kicked while on the ground, Leeds Crown Court was told.

His phone and wallet were then stolen.

Prosecuting, Carmel Pearson said the victim was initially approached by a female as he neared his home address in Hemsworth at around 5pm on Sunday, September 23, 2018.

Leeds Crown CourtLeeds Crown Court
Leeds Crown Court
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When he refused to give her money, she grabbed his mobile phone.

Watson, who had been waiting in a nearby car, got out and punched the victim and then kicked him repeatedly to the head as he lay on the ground, according to an eyewitness, who said Watson was also wearing a knuckle duster.

Watson, of no fixed address, and the female then got back into the car and drove off. The phone and wallet were later recovered.

The victim suffered a fractured skull, a full-tissue split between his lip and nose and lacerations to his head.

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The court was told the injuries were consistent with a knuckle duster being used.

Mitigating, James Littlehales, said Watson had previous issues with drug addiction, had got himself clean but had fallen back into the life when he started a new relationship with a woman.

Mr Littlehales said: "He was working as much as he could but it all went rapidly downhill when he got involved with the new relationship and went back onto drugs.

"There's genuine expressions of remorse."

Watson, who is already serving three years for another robbery that took place after this incident, appeared in court via video link from prison, where he admitted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

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Judge Neil Clark told him: "You have struggled with drugs and mental health problems. She (his partner) may have encouraged you but you have to take responsibility."

Judge Clark jailed him for another four years on top of the three he received earlier this year.