DAVID PACE FROM WORCESTER JAILED AFTER CANAL ASSAULT INCIDENT
In a disturbing incident that took place in Worcester, a homeless man and convicted sex offender, David Pace, was involved in a violent altercation near the Tallow Hill retail park.Witnesses reported seeing Pace push another man, identified as Peter Middleton, into the canal during the early hours of February 20 this year.
The incident was witnessed by several bystanders who heard a commotion and observed the confrontation unfold along the canal's edge.
According to court proceedings, John Brotherton, the prosecutor, detailed the events, stating that witnesses saw the two men arguing by the canal.
During the dispute, the larger man, David Pace, forcefully pushed Mr.
Middleton into the water.
Witnesses recounted that Mr.
Middleton was submerged but managed to surface and attempt to climb out of the canal.
As he struggled to escape, Pace reportedly stamped on his fingers, causing further injury.
The court heard that Mr.
Middleton eventually managed to scramble out of the canal, escaping further harm.
At Worcester Crown Court, Pace pleaded guilty at the outset of the trial to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Additionally, he admitted to breaching a criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), which was set to remain in effect until February 2018.
The court was informed that Pace had been in custody for five months following the incident.
During this time, he reportedly improved his health and expressed an intention to continue addressing his heroin addiction upon his release.
Defence solicitor Amanda O’Mara provided context about Pace’s background, revealing that he had been battling heroin addiction since his mid-20s.
She explained that Pace had started drinking alcohol after becoming homeless, largely because he was on the sex offenders register and was therefore unable to reside in the homes of family members with children.
Her client’s circumstances had led to his prolonged detention, but she emphasized his efforts to turn his life around.
Judge Sam Mainds expressed concern about Pace’s future housing prospects upon release, noting the importance of making arrangements with the probation service to ensure he could live with a family member.
The judge acknowledged Pace’s long history of heroin use and survival through difficult circumstances, urging him to remain clean and avoid further self-destructive behavior.
Addressing Pace directly, the judge warned, “For pity’s sake, you’re going to kill yourself if you go on.” Ultimately, Pace was sentenced to 11 months in prison for the assault and an additional three months, to run concurrently, for breaching the criminal behaviour order.
This resulted in a total sentence of eleven months, which meant he was likely to be released almost immediately after serving his time.
