3 local criminals have appeared in court once again – this time for assaulting a man in the middle of the street during a ‘prolonged group attack’ in Sandown.
Emma James, 37, of Newport Road in Ventnor appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday (15th March) alongside Jamie Matlock, 40, of Willow Way in Sandown and James Smith, 38, of Station Avenue in Sandown.
The trio all appeared charged with assault by beating in relation to an incident that happened on Station Avenue, Sandown on 1st March.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, explained to the court that the whole incident had been captured on dashcam by a passing motorist. The footage, which was played to the court, showed the victim – who did not support the prosecution – being beaten whilst on the floor.
Mrs Smout said that Smith was the main aggressor and that Matlock hit the victim also, with James trying to pull Smith away – but also involved in the incident.
Magistrates heard that all 3 defendants had appeared in court previously; Emma James had last appeared in January 2022 for criminal damage; Smith appeared on 22nd February for theft and Matlock hadn’t appeared in court since October 2019 – also on a charge of theft.
Defending, Oscar Vincent explained the circumstances of the incident in full to the bench. He stated that James was being picked up by her daughter from Smith’s address and, at the same time, Smith and Matlock decided to go to the local shop. The pair then heard a familiar voice behind them shouting threats and obscenities. The individual moved towards them in a threatening manner and, allegedly, threatened the pair with a knife – all in front of Emma James’ daughter.
Mr Vincent went on to say that Smith and Matlock intended to put the male back into his car and on his way, but admit using force to do so. He said that the trio did not set out to attack someone in the street and that they had been provoked. The incident soon dispersed.
The Probation Service gave an update as to James’ and Smith’s backgrounds, stating that Emma James was homeless and living in a tent in the Shanklin or Ventnor area. The report stated she is a drug user with failing health and is subject to an existing community order until 10th October. In respect of James Smith, Probation officers said that his engagement was intermittent and that drugs were back in his life, with his drinking becoming unmanageable. He is on a community order until 24th June.
No report was given on Matlock as he is not under the Probation Service.
Magistrates passed sentence on 2 of the 3 defendants, handing an 18-month community order with 20 rehabilitation days and 6-month of drug testing for Emma James. They revoked James Smith’s existing order and made him subject to a new 18-month community order with a 6-month drug programme, 20 rehabilitation days and a 3-month curfew. The duo also had to pay costs and surcharges.
A pre-sentence report was requested for Jamie Matlock and he will next appear before the court on 12th April for sentencing.
Mr O.Vincent will never be short of work on the Island.
Plenty of Pond Life to Defend.
At what point do judges JUDGE that rehab programmes are not working for some people and that it is a waste of taxpayers money. Surely there are other options at their disposable to deal with serial offenders other than a standard community order and rehab – one after the other.
Again and again the same names pop up in this column, I suppose that we should all just feel sorry for the attackers and congratulate them for not killing the victim! COME ON magistrates,,,, you have the powers, now USE THEM so that we ‘ordinary’ citizens don’t feel afraid to walk the street at night! Please…. pretty please!!
Scum that don’t deserve this beautiful life.
What happened to putting people in Prison
so it’s not ok to make threats in front of her daughter but it’s ok for 3 people to beat the sh#t out of someone in front of her. ok then