Man strikes out in rage attack

Magistrates were told how a recovering Mansfield heroin addict struck another man to the head from behind while passing him in the street.

Robert Carr, prosecuting, told the court how Aaron Hughes (35), of Francis Street, had glared at his victim while passing him on Newgate Lane on 10th July.

Said Mr Carr: “He felt a sharp pain at the back of his head and then blacked out.

“(The victim’s partner) said she followed Hughes with her eyes as he passed and saw him swap a can of alcohol from his right hand to his left and saw him swing his arm to hit the victim on the back of the head.

Deborah Bell, defending, said the circumstances of the incident involved an accusation that the victim had been very rude to a member of Hughes’ family.

“He denies having a can of alcohol,” said Ms Bell, “but as he walked past the couple feelings of anger built up and he lost his temper.

“Violence is out of character for him - his last assault was in 1998.”

Hughes was bailed conditionally until 26th August pending a probation report.

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