An unprovoked assault carried out by a pensioner in Ramsgate has resulted in a prison sentence of seven years.
Hugh Hill approached a man from behind and hit him around the head with a pool cue after he mistook the man for a person he had previously had a disagreement with.
The 70-year-old, of Sweyn Road, Margate, denied wounding with intent but was convicted following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court. He was sentenced at the same court testerday (December 11).
While the victim was talking with his companion, he was poked in the back with a pool cue which was being held by Hill.
Hill then used the weapon to strike the man once in the head, inflicting a deep cut that required hospital treatment.
Immediately after striking the victim, Hill claimed the offence had been carried out in retaliation for an assault some 20 years ago. Police enquiries revealed the victim was completely unknown to the offender, who had mistaken their identity.
CCTV clearly captured the entire assault but in police interview Hill claimed he had never been to the pub and the footage did not show him.
Police Constable Justine Solly, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said: “Hill subjected the victim of this case to a brutal and completely unprovoked assault.
“His willingness to approach another individual from behind and strike them with a weapon shows him to be an extremely violent and unpredictable offender who is prepared to cause serious harm to other people.
“His offending is further aggravated by his decision to deny the charge, despite the obvious evidence against him. I am pleased we have secured justice for the victim and that a dangerous offender is off the streets.”
Not the sort of issue you would expect from a 70-year-old pensioner. Hard to believe but there you are. I hope he regrets being a violent bully now!