A dad violently attacked his daughter's ex-partner with a bat after their relationship ended following allegations of domestic violence.
Brian Wright, 52, sprung an attack at his daughter's home when her ex-partner and his friend went to her address in order to pick up belongings from a garden shed. Wright was then seen "gunning" up the road in a car, before getting out and badly beating the ex-partner with a yellow bat. The man's friend was also attacked, and required 30 stitches in his lip.
Brian Wright's son, Simon Wright, 29, also attended the scene and joined in on the attack on the two men. On Thursday, both men appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for affray. Brian Wright was also sentenced for grievous bodily harm with intent. The defendants both pleaded guilty to their charges at a previous hearing.
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Ellen Wright, prosecuting, said at around 7pm on May 23, last year, the former partner of Wright's daughter went to her address in Crook in order to collect his belongings from a shed following the end of their relationship. The ex-partner was accompanied by a friend to help him move the items. But as the two men began collecting items, which had been arranged by Brian Wright's daughter, they heard a car "gunning up the street". It was then that Brian Wright approached his daughter's ex.
Ms Wright said: "Brian Wright was seen walking towards him with a yellow bat in his hand. He went straight up to him and hit him hard in the left leg, causing him to fall to the floor." The victim could recall feeling "disorientated" as he lay on the ground, before Brian Wright continued to "strike him all over his body" and also "used his fists".
It was then that his son, Simon Wright, turned up and began "jumping up and down" while asking if he "wanted more". Simon Wright then began to "repeatedly punch" him. The court heard that the ex-partner's friend was also assaulted, and sustained a cut to his lip. The attack ended after around five minutes and both victims got in their car. Brian Wright then threatened to damage their vehicle before they fled.
Ms Wright said the ex-partner's friend sustained serious injuries and had to have 30 stitches in his lip at hospital and has been left with scarring. The ex-partner of Brian Wright's daughter also sustained injury to the back of his head and also needed hospital treatment.
Michele Turner, defending Brian Wright, said there was a "significant history involving the defendant's daughter". She said he was approached by a family member who disclosed that his daughter's relationship had been marred by alleged domestic violence. She said: "As a result of that, the family effectively formed a cell of protection around that young lady. She had arranged for her ex-partner to collect his belongings but the defendants had no idea that had been arranged."
Ms Turner said that on the day of the offence, Brian Wright, who had no previous convictions, had been contacted by a neighbour, telling him that his daughter's ex was at her home. It was then that he attended the scene. Ms Turner said it was not a case of "revenge" but rather he believed his daughter was in "peril". She added: "Emotions and anger took over". The court was told that Brian Wright was a former boxer and coach, but was stripped of his licence after the offences came to light.
Katie Spence, defending, Simon Wright, who had eight previous convictions for 16 offences, said: "He tells me that he is sorry for his actions and feels like the situation should have been handled better. He acted before he thought." Ms Spence added that he pleaded guilty at an early opportunity.
Sentencing the pair, both of Briar Gardens, Crook, Judge Sarah Mallett said they should both be "deeply ashamed" of their actions. Brian Wright was jailed for 10 months and Simon Wright was given a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete 40 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours unpaid work.
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