Leeds man jailed for ‘one of most violent assaults ever seen’ on homeless man

Christian Watson, 24, attacked a rough sleeper in Scarborough in the early hours of July 3, kicking him in the face and stamping on him more than 20 times in a vicious assault which lasted almost three minutes.

His co-accused, Fallon Johnson, 20, began the attack on the man they’d initially been sat talking to, kicking the 51-year-old in the face several times.

Watson then took over, even standing on a ledge at one point to gain more height before jumping onto his victim.

The victim was rushed to hospital by ambulance, suffering a bleed on the brain, fractures to his face and sternum and severe bruising.

Officers arrested Watson and Fallon hours later, with the pair still wearing blood-stained clothing and footwear from the horrific assault.

In his first police interview, Watson tried to blame the victim and justified the attack as self-defence. He claimed the victim had tried to rob Johnson, then the victim threatened him and started pushing him.

Watson was then shown the CCTV footage. It clearly showed the victim had not stood up at any point and had not displayed any intention of violence or threat to the pair at any point.

Watson was jailed for four years and eight months at York Crown Court on November 13. Fallon, from Blackpool, was given a community order and must undertake mental health treatment for six months.

Detective Constable Sam Rivers from Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: "This unprovoked assault was violent in the extreme, and one that could have only been carried out to cause devastating injuries. It is one of the most violent assaults I have ever had to view on CCTV.

"Excellent CCTV work and the forensic evidence recovered from the defendants’ clothing and footwear were the backbone of this investigation. I am pleased we've been able to bring Watson and Johnston to justice for this brutal and sustained attack.

"I hope the victim can now move on with his life following this ordeal.”