Derbyshire thug knees elderly man to face during brutal pub assault

Dean West, 49, brutally assaulted the older man in the public premises while frightened children present with their parents “screamed” and shouted “dad”.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard the violent display erupted at Whitwell’s Holmefield Arms on December 26, 2019 - following a bizarre exchange of words.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop described how the victim was leaving the pub when West approached and asked if he knew a “Nathan”.

When the older man said “no” West accused him of “running him over”.

A witness at the scene - who was with his partner and children - saw West punch the victim in the stomach and then knee him twice in the face. West then punched him in the face.

Ms Allsop said the attack left the victim with a fractured jaw and “ongoing dental issues”.

The prosecutor told how the appalling scene played out in front of children in licensed premises against an older man who was vulnerable after having had a drink.

West, of Franklin Crescent, Whitwell, admitted grievous bodily harm.

Magistrates committed the case to Derby Crown Court for sentencing.

One told West: “This is a very serious assault - very serious indeed. The law says the magistrates court does not have sufficient powers to deal with it.

“That’s why we’re committing the matter to be dealt with at crown court - whose sentencing powers are far greater than ours.”

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