Offender convicted for assault in St Helens alleyway

OFFENDER CONVICTED FOR ASSAULT IN ST HELENS ALLEYWAY

Mr Baxter stated that Bamber, aged 45 and residing on Derbyshire Hill Road in St Helens, initially denied assaulting the 41-year-old victim, claiming she was the one who attacked him.

The assault occurred in an alley behind Bamber’s residence on October 8 of the previous year.

During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, it was described that Bamber 'straddled' Nicola Wilcock, holding her down and repeatedly hitting and slapping her face.

Bamber entered a guilty plea to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, which prosecutors accepted.

Police testimony revealed Nicola Wilcock had a swollen face, bruising, and grazes around her nose and mouth after being dragged across the ground and assaulted.

Bamber was sentenced to nine months in prison and received a five-year restraining order.

His criminal record includes 45 prior convictions for 73 offences, mainly related to drug offences, possession of a blade, and breaching court orders.

He previously served 42 months for supplying Class A drugs and 16 months for heroin possession.

In 2012, Bamber was also convicted of carrying a blade.

At the time of sentencing, he had been in custody for four months.