A Newport man who inflicted serious facial injuries upon a traffic warden in a one-punch attack outside a school has been handed a 2-year suspended prison sentence.
30-year-old Joseph Burgess pleaded guilty to wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court back on 29th August.
The court at the time that on the morning of 28th March this year, a traffic warden was patrolling the safety zone outside Christ The King College on Wellington Road, Carisbrooke. Outside the school gates – at drop-off time – an altercation ensued involving Burgess’ partner whilst she was dropping their children to school.
A short while later, Joseph Burgess arrived at the scene and approached the traffic warden, shouting at him and being verbally abusive. The 30-year-old then struck the warden with a single punch to the face.
Blood was seen streaming down the Council employee’s face with children and other parents witnessing the attack.
Despite the fact it was only 1 punch, Burgess was wearing a large ring which exacerbated the injuries sustained by the victim. The victim’s blood was left across the pavement.
Burgess left the scene before officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service arrived at the secondary school, as previously reported by Island Echo.
The 30-year-old was later arrested and charged just days after the incident.
In the victim’s personal statement, which was read aloud in the courtroom, the victim spoke about how he has suffered life-changing facial injuries including numerous facial fractures, permanent nerve damage and a loss of feeling in his teeth as a result. He also mentioned how his children had to see the incident from their school window and that he has still been unable to go back to work some 5 months later.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said that his client was ‘lightly convicted’ and that he knew as he left the scene that he would have to hand himself into the authorities.
Burgess, of Woodbine Close in Newport, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday (3rd October).
Judge Paul Garlick sentenced Burgess to 2 years in custody, suspended for 24 months. He was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days. A £187 victim surcharge is also to be paid.
Bully hope the same happens to you one day
Absolutely shockingly light sentence. This guy is a well known scumbag, as is his girlfriend
Where’s the compensation for 5mths pay ? , compensation for injury – one punch can kill –
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/one-punch-can-kill
Hopefully Children’s Service’s also looking at care and vulnerability of this guy’s own kid’s.
You have to be kidding on this one. How the hell is this not a custodial sentence
is that it, should have had a custodial sentence immediately
Suspended? Suspended? He should be suspended by his neck. Animals like this should not be walking free from the courts.
So much for protecting public employees.
Should be a mandatory jail term (actual), for anyone convicted of gbh against public servants.
The courts are absolutely useless.
Time for a Star Chamber
Absolutely disgusting sentence that judge should be ashamed of himself that should of been a minimum of 2 years in prison an people wonder why this island has gone down hill when someone can do that outside a school to someone just doing there job 200 hours unpaid work what so he does a little bit of work for his benefits so not only did that poor traffic warden get punched by this idiot he now has to contribute to the 200 hours unpaid work because unlike that scumbag he actually works for his money
outrageous, when are these people going to be made to take responsibility for these crimes, should of got 5 years and made to pay £5000 to victim, dregs of society
What!! An unprovoked attack on a traffic warden trying to stop people parking outside the school illegally which causes massive delays and problems for the passing cars and buses, and the perpetrator gets a 24 month suspended sentence. Think we can all guess what type of person he is when you read where he lives!!
“Lightly convicted”? Understatement of the year, what’s wrong with these magistrates? Poor warden was badly injured and probably mentally affected too, about time these pathetic thugs were punished properly
Not even surprised any more. Disgusted, yes. They protect criminals, not victims.
The magistrates should be sacked why should somebody have to put up with being attacked
for doing their job.
The sentence shows no regard for the innocent party. The attacker is a well known thug.
That takes the biscuit, and to add insult to injury, £187 compensation!!!!!!…
When will our government re write these pathetic sentences???? And update
Our judicial system as it is so antiquated I am surprised the compensation wasn’t half a groat or a farthing !!!!!!!.
How can the court let through a plea of wounding “without intent” when this thug specifically set out to confront the traffic warden? The judge should be sacked immediately and I hope the traffic warden investigates the possibility of a civil suit against the judge who has failed in their duty.
I work at Carisbrooke school and I was there on duty that morning. There was no talking between the warden and the guy which he just came out the car and within 10 seconds he punched him. No talking at all.
Too many scumbag families breeding more scum bag kids. See it do attitude from patent to child. Get rid of all of them we should be able to evict this crap from our island. Bullying in school as well following in the steps of their parents. Foul scum
Wrong Headline!
Should read;
‘Thug escapes punishment’
Suspended sentences are seen as a ‘get out of jail card’ which of course they are, only there is no need to get out!!
Make no mistake the 200 ‘unpaid work’ will be a doddle – at times merely turning up will be enough, There will be no dirty hands or even perspiration, let alone blisters.
Whats the point? This tells everyone its OK to punch someone in the face, cause serious damage and you will still get clean away with it. Do not worry if there are witnesses who saw the whole thing. Where is the deterrent? where is the enforcement? Where is the justice for the victim? No surprise people taking things into their own hands. I hope the Warden fully recovers but I doubt it.