MANSFIELD MAN GUILTY OF ATTACKING DISABLED MAN AND STEALING BANK CARDS
A man was tipped out of his wheelchair by a drug user who stole his bank cards and then went on a spending spree.Kenneth Marriott, 46, assaulted the man at an address in Newark on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 1, leaving him with a broken leg and a displaced pelvis.
Marriott, who knew his victim and was well aware of his brittle bone condition, had demanded money to buy drugs and alcohol and became violent when he refused.
In the hours after the attack, he spent more than £400 on three stolen bank cards, using contactless payments to buy a range of different items.
They included beer, sweets, and scratch cards.
When he was arrested by police, Marriott, of Newark Close, Mansfield, claimed the fall was accidental and also denied using the stolen cards.
However, police conducted an investigation and caught Marriott in the act on CCTV using the cards.
He then pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm without intent and six counts of fraud by false representation.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, December 22, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 24 months.
He must also undergo a 30-day programme of rehabilitation and has been forbidden from contacting his victim for a period of at least five years.
The victim, a man in his 60s, explained in a pre-prepared impact statement the injuries caused by the attack had further impaired his movement and left him unable to stand unaided.
Detective Constable Andrew Brownless said: "This was a reprehensible attack on a defenceless victim in his own home.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Marriott sought to cover up what he had done by claiming his victim had fallen accidentally from his wheelchair." "This explanation simply defied logic so I am pleased he eventually accepted what happened that day and pleaded guilty.
This has been a difficult and upsetting process for the victim who is still recovering from the injuries he received.
I hope the conclusion of this case will provide him and his family with some comfort."
