A man who launched a frenzied Boxing Day assault on a victim he had initially punched in self-defence has been sentenced by a judge.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how businessman Shane Housby, 34, made his first mistake by following fellow Silloth pub customer Ian Corless after the latter had offered to fight him amid an altercation linked to a long-standing grievance.
Both parties were at the Balmoral Hotel on December 26 2021, when the confrontation occurred.
It was accepted by the prosecution Mr Corless had been aggressive towards Housby and then thrown the first punch as the two men headed outside. Housby responded by punching out in lawful self-defence with Mr Corless going to the ground as a result.
“If that is where it had ended, you would not be in the dock,” Judge Nicholas Barker told Housby at the crown court as he was sentenced having admitted an actual bodily harm assault charge.
That crime, said the judge, was committed as Housby then set about a frenzied attack on Mr Corless, who was struck a number of times as he lay prone.
That ended only as others intervened with Housby having feared that his victim may carry out an earlier stab threat. “In many ways it is his good fortune, and yourself by extension, that he was not more seriously injured,” said Judge Barker.
The court heard married man Housby, of Caldew Street, Silloth, ran a successful business; his wife had recently given birth and he had sought to put offending behaviour behind him.
After considering mitigation and submissions, Judge Barker imposed an 18-month community order.
Housby must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work and a two-month electronically monitored night time curfew. In addition he has to pay £1,000 court costs and, to Mr Corless, £400 in compensation.
“It seems to me this is not such a case where I would have to deprive you of your liberty,” said the judge.
