Alfreton teen attacked pal at Buxton party

A reveller attacked a friend who refused to buy him any more drinks during a party.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Thursday, May 14, how Connor Bothamley, 19, of King Street, Alfreton, grabbed his friend in a headlock during a Christmas party at Lightwood Road working men’s club, in Buxton.

Prosecuting solicitor John Cooper said: “The party was for service users from the Peak Dales Advocacy.

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“The complainant had two pints of Strongbow and he bought the defendant a couple of pints of Strongbow too and then they went for a smoke.

“The defendant asked the complainant for more alcohol but he was refused.

“Bothamley did not take that kindly and became aggressive and he grabbed the complainant around the throat and put him in a headlock for about 30 seconds.

“While trying to break free the grip was not enough to choke the complainant but he was restrained and the defendant said do you want a fight?

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“The complainant said he did not want a fight and he didn’t want to get into trouble and the incident scared and shocked him.”

The court heard how the victim stayed inside the club while the defendant was taken outside by a care worker.

Mr Cooper explained the incident was witnessed by several people.

Bothamley told police he had pushed the complainant after they had fallen out over alcohol and he denied the headlock saying the complainant had been mistaken because he had just had his arm around him.

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The defendant pleaded guilty to assault after the incident on December 19, last year.

Defence solicitor David Gittins said: “This was a Christmas party for young and vulnerable adults and they were invited with various care workers and guests.

“Since this incident there have been no further problems and the defendant and complainant have seen each other at other events.

“On this day, alcohol was involved even though it was not a lot of alcohol but when people do not drink regularly there can be problems.

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“There were no kicks or weapons involved and it was an argument that got out of hand.”

Magistrates fined Bothamley £37 and ordered him to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

They opted not to impose a compensation order because they understood that there were no lasting injuries involved and the defendant and complainant were now friends again.