Gang jailed for horrific attack on stroke victim outside pub

FOUR men who relaxed by playing cards after a drink-fuelled attack on an innocent man have been given jail sentences totalling more than 20 years.

Stroke victim Tony Schofield had been enjoying a quiet drink at his local pub in Huddersfield last July when he was confronted by 22-year-old Daniel Lockwood.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how Lockwood, of Spen Valley Road, Dewsbury, made allegations against Mr Schofield’s son, but the 54-year-old, who also suffered from epilepsy, ignored his remarks and eventually moved away to play on a gaming machine.

Lockwood and his friends then left Ricky’s Bar in Leeds Road to plan their attack on Mr Schofield and CCTV captured the moment Lockwood and his accomplice 24-year-old Jamie Wood frogmarched their victim outside.

Recorder Sandra Keen was shown the footage of Mr Schofield, who was known to regulars as Little Tony because of his stature, being forced to the ground where his body and head were punched, kicked and stamped on.

As Mr Schofield lay severely injured on the ground two of the group, Daniel Mullins, 24, and 23-year-old Gareth Garside, threw their drinks over him before the gang fled the scene.

“Lockwood was the main protagonist,” said prosecutor Stephen Wood.

“He punched, kicked and stamped upon Mr Schofield. His punches were delivered with such force that he opened up a pre-existing injury to his hand causing it to bleed.

“It must have been obvious to each of these defendants that Mr Schofield was seriously injured. Yet none of them sought to help in any way.

“The prosecution submit this was a joint attack by these four.”

Mr Wood said after the attack the men met up at a house where they “chilled” by playing cards.

The court heard a doctor described Mr Schofield’s injuries as life-threatening. He was transferred to an intensive care unit after admission to hospital.

A paramedic said Mr Schofield had suffered “severe facial trauma” and his consciousness level at hospital was very low.

Lockwood and Wood, of Church Street, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, were each jailed for five-and-a-half years after they pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mullins, of St James Way, Rawthorpe, Huddersfield, was given a six-year prison term after being found guilty of the same offence by a jury while Garside, of Langdale Drive, Dalton, Huddersfield, was jailed for four years after also being convicted of the charge at trial.

In a victim personal statement, Mr Schofield’s daughter Tara said the attack had had a devastating effect on her father.

He had been a “very capable and caring man”, but he now required home care.

“Ms Schofield has noticed that her father’s speech has changed dramatically now restricting himself to yes or no answers,” said Mr Wood.

Jailing the four, Recorder Keen said there had clearly been a pack mentality and she noted the men had been drinking shots of spirits as well as beer or lager before the attack.

“I take the view that alcohol played a very significant part in the commission of this offence,” she said.

The judge said Mr Schofield had done absolutely nothing wrong and had been the victim of “gratuitous and mindless violence”.

Lockwood’s barrister David McGonigal said he expressed his remorse and wanted, if possible, to take part in the restorative justice scheme to make a direct apology to the victim.