A 42-year-old from Newport has been sent to prison after magistrates concluded that nothing short of custody could reflect the seriousness of his offending.
The sentence
Craig Thompson, of Albert Street, was dealt with at Newport Magistrates’ Court, where he entered guilty pleas to three separate matters. For the assault, the bench imposed four weeks in custody, ruling the offence too serious for any alternative disposal. He was additionally ordered to hand over £85 towards prosecution costs.
The assault
The violence occurred in Newport on March 20, when Thompson attacked Zak Perry. He accepted a charge of assault by beating, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
Aggravating factors
Counting heavily against him was the fact that he was still within the operational period of a suspended sentence at the time. The court also found he had shown a “flagrant disregard for court orders”.
Failing to answer bail
Gwent Police had released Thompson on bail on July 4, but he did not appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court when required to do so on July 20. He admitted failing to surrender to custody. A second, related allegation – failing to surrender as soon as reasonably practicable – was withdrawn once an alternative charge was substituted in its place.
Community protection notice breach
The final matter concerned a community protection notice already in force against him. On July 3 he was found openly begging and loitering outside the Tesco store on Caerleon Road, conduct which placed him in breach of that notice. He pleaded guilty to the breach.
