Attacker jailed for assault in alleyway

A MAN who was seen carrying out a vicious assault told shocked witnesses, "it's just a tramp", Grimsby Crown Court heard.

The women who saw the attack told police and Craig Murray was later arrested.

Prosecutor Charlotte Baines said: "He was noted to have blood on his clothing."

The incident happened at about 10pm on October 10, when a woman and her friends were walking past Dunstall Street, Scunthorpe.

Miss Baines said: "She saw in an alleyway a male in a white long-sleeved top.

"She saw that male, this defendant, kicking somebody on the floor."

Murray looked up and the women became concerned for their safety. They walked away to call police and an ambulance.

Miss Baines said: "The defendant shouted towards them, 'Don't worry, girls, just keep on walking, it's just a tramp'."

The victim, Thomas King, was taken to hospital, but refused to make a statement to police.

Murray told officers he felt intimidated by Mr King.

Miss Baines said: "He said he saw a scruffy, tramp-type male who was unsteady on his feet behind him."

Murray claimed Mr King was "spitting blood" and he then pushed him over.

John Dunning, mitigating, told Judge Kate Buckingham his client was on licence at the time and had since been recalled to prison.

Mr Dunning said it was impossible to ascertain the seriousness of any injuries, as Mr King had not made a complaint and there was no medical statement.

He said the assault was not premeditated and no weapons were used.

Murray, 23, who was living at Scunthorpe's Normanby Road Bail Hostel, admitted an actual bodily harm charge. He was jailed for 12 months.