Men Sentenced to Jail for Crutch Attack

Two individuals have received prison sentences after assaulting a man with a crutch, leaving him significantly bruised and bleeding. Kyle Thompson, aged 29, and Ryan Wilson, aged 33, assaulted the victim at his residence in Sunderland during May, as disclosed at Newcastle Crown Court. Both pleaded guilty to wounding without intent and were each sentenced to one year in jail. Mr. Thompson also received an additional 10-month custodial sentence for dangerous driving. This charge stemmed from a collision that occurred following a high-speed police chase through residential areas. It was revealed in court that the assault victim initially did not wish to file a formal complaint. However, the incident was reported to law enforcement after a colleague observed the victim with significant bruising and bleeding on his face. An examination of CCTV recordings showed the two individuals entering the man’s residence, and prosecutors stated that police determined a crutch was employed during the assault. At the time of the police pursuit, which took place on 4 April, Thompson was out on bail. The court was informed that he was operating a Vauxhall Corsa and attempted to evade capture when a police vehicle approached him on Ryhope Road, in Sunderland, around 23:30 BST. During the pursuit, he attained speeds of up to 70mph in areas designated as 30mph zones, disregarded red traffic signals, drove against the flow of traffic, and proceeded incorrectly around roundabouts before colliding with a stationary van on Hunter Street. He was apprehended while still in the driver’s seat. A roadside drug test indicated the presence of cocaine and cannabis in his system; however, prosecutors stated that Thompson declined to provide a blood sample at the police station, asserting a fear of needles. Thompson, who additionally pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and operating a vehicle without a licence or insurance, received a driving ban for two years and 11 months and is required to pass an extended driving test.