Pair spared jail after viciously attacking man and his stepdad outside Nottinghamshire hotel

Two men who viciously assaulted a driver and his stepfather in the car park of a Nottinghamshire hotel have been warned they will be locked up if they commit another crime in the next 15 months.
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Matthew Kennedy, 19, and George Finney, 21, punched and kicked their victims outside Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa in Retford at around 10pm on October 12 last year.

The offenders were part of a group of youths congregated outside the venue when the victims’ car drove by on the A638 Great North Road.

Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa in Retford.Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa in Retford.
Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa in Retford.

After their vehicle was struck and damaged by an object thrown from the car park, the victims turned around to confront the group and were then attacked.

The driver of the car suffered a broken jaw and lacerations to his eyelid in the attack while his stepfather was left with cuts and bruises.

CCTV showed that one victim was jumped on as they lay on the ground.

A female passenger in the car also suffered a back injury as she attempted to intervene.

Kennedy, of Tolney Lane, Newark, and Finney, of, Stragglethorpe Lane, Grantham, were each handed suspended jail sentences at Nottingham Crown Court earlier this week after admitting charges of grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm.

Both men were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 15 months, and will have to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

They must also pay compensation of £1,000 and an additional victim surcharge of £149.

Detective Constable Colin Jones, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling and unprovoked attack.

“Kennedy and Finney’s actions on that night were truly shameful and they should both reflect on how close they came to an immediate custodial sentence.

“I hope they take this opportunity to think carefully about their future conduct – because if they commit any further offences over the next 15 months, they will be going to prison.”