Mansfield man convicted for unprovoked atttack

Dean Ricky Burton, 44, of Shireoaks Court, denied assaulting the man at Scarrington Court on February 8, but was found guilty after a trial.

Donna Fawcett, prosecuting, said: “The defendant knocked on the door and asked to see his partner but she didn’t want to see him.

“Without any warning Mr Burton punched him with a clenched fist which caused injuries when his victim banged his head on the way down.”

Burton’s victim was left with a bloody nose and mouth, while Burton walked off shouting, the court heard.

During the trial Burton claimed he acted in self-defence and said the man came at him with a weapon, but the bench found his victim’s evidence was more credible.

Sarah Neale, mitigating, said Burton suffered from anxiety and depression and had mental health problems. He was recently diagnosed with cancer on his hip.

The court heard he had previous convictions for violence, with the last offence recorded in 2013.

Burton was sentenced to 18 weeks, suspended for 12 months, and must undertake a six day rehabilitation order.

He must also pay £200 compensation to the man he punched, costs of £425 and a victim surcharge of £80.