I have authored several articles in the last couple of months with the subject of violent assaults and the often tragic and devastating consequences they can result in. It’s never nice to hear of a story of a violent and unprovoked assault in any circumstances, and in particular in one’s home city of Hull in an area that I myself have enjoyed the odd walk or two, at the marina near Hull’s famous ‘The Deep’ aquarium.
Hull Crown Court yesterday heard of the drink fuelled assault that ended in tragedy as two teenagers pleaded guilty to murder and robbery, the Daily Mail has reported (source).
In the early hours of 7th April 2009, 35 year old Simon Ash had gone for a late night stroll on the marina to clear his head when he was unfortunate enough to be sighted by two teenage thugs looking for trouble after a night of heavy drinking. The pair stalked Mr Ash who subsequently dialled 999 and informed local police he was being followed and chased by the teens, and told the operator “they are trying to kick my head in.”
Carl Marshall and Bret Atkins proceeded to launch a violent assault on the helpless victim, stamping on his face and stealing various items of clothing and valuable affects before leaving him to die. Police patrols responding to Mr Ash’s desperate plea for help failed to locate him, and he was later found by a passerby in a pool of blood. A post mortem concluded Mr Ash suffered fatal head injuries.
The teenage pair were given mandatory life sentences, and also pleaded guilty to a second vicious assault just minutes earlier on an elderly gentleman near the Hull College. Former serviceman John Potts was left with permanent head injuries after he was stamped on, and a once “friendly man with enthusiasm for life” has been left with the inability to care for himself.
It is reported that the Atkins has a sting of pervious convictions including car theft and driving under the influence, and Marshall who was raised in care also has a string of convictions to his name.
Humberside Police have since denied that they let the victim down in failing to locate him following his desperate call for help, with Detective Superintendant Dena Fleming stating that “we did everything we could.”
The court also heard that the victim Mr. Ash used to often go for late night strolls to clear his head. It’s a tragic shame when an innocent person is unable to go for a quiet walk without the fear of assault, or losing their life. And of course as with this story, alcohol is appears to be a contributing factor in the circumstances; but is never of course an excuse.
If you have been the victim of a violent assault and have consequently sustained injuries, whether physical or psychological, you may be eligible to claim for the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Speak to anindependent expert personal injury lawyer for the right advice and legal representation.
