MATLOCK: Boozy man assaulted pal with tree branch

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday how defendant Brett Morris, 28, went to Luke Bradshaw’s house in Matlock on the morning of March 11.

Bill Taylor, prosecuting, said that the pair drank two bottles of cider before sharing a bottle of gin.

He added: “Everything was fine until the drink ran out.That seems to be when problems arose.”

Mr Taylor told the court that jobless Morris, of Main Road, Wensley, Matlock, got hold of a four-foot-long tree branch and inexplicably hit Mr Bradshaw in the face with it. The court was told Mr Bradshaw went to sleep but was awoken by bangs. He went downstairs to find Morris had smashed his television, causing £400 worth of damage.

Mr Taylor said police were alerted to the incident and PCSO Karl Millward arrested Morris – after he tried to punch the officer.

Joe Taylor, mitigating, told the court that it was a “very bad incident for all involved”.He said the victim saw Morris – who has drink problems and underlying mental health issues – as a brotherly figure.

Morris admitted assault, criminal damage and using threatening behaviour at a previous hearing. He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out alcohol treatment.