Two men jailed over 'pulverising' attack

Leeds Crown Court heard Carl Cawood was involved in an early-morning confrontation with the victim Andrew Waterworth, 39, in New Briggate, Leeds who threw a punch at him. Cawood's rained blows on the other man.

Neil Clark, prosecuting, said in 30 seconds Cawood punched him 23 times. Initially Mr Waterworth tried to protect himself but then became still.

The second defendant, Victor Dean ran in "and without stopping kicked him with force then stamped on his abdomen." He also kicked the prone man in the head.

Mr Waterworth regained consciousness a couple of minutes later after passers by stopped to help. He was treated in hospital for injuries including having almost bitten through the tip of his tongue.

Cawood, 27 of Clifton Terrace, Harehills, Leeds and Dean, 30 of Boggart Hill Gardens, Seacroft, Leeds were each jailed for two-and -a-half-years after admitting unlawful wounding.

Sentencing them Judge Paul Hoffman said even if the victim had thrown the first punch the response was brutal. It was fortunate for them Mr Waterworth had not suffered brain damage or lethal injury.

He said Cawood had told police he broke an arm in the incident which was no doubt a "reflection of the ferocity" of his "pulverising attack."

Mr Clark said the incident happened on October 25, 2008. CCTV footage showed Cawood trying to pick up a phone from the ground and exchanged words with Mr Waterman, who swung a punch, with the violence following.

When the phone was traced to his partner Cawood gave himself up followed by Dean.

Michael Collins, for Cawood, said he was shocked by his own violence which was completely out of character. James Keeley, for Dean, said he too was "truly ashamed."