A man who entered the garden of a vulnerable Egremont resident and struck him with a baseball bat has been given a suspended prison sentence.
John Michael Maclaurin, 52, was initially seen walking past the victim’s home at 10.30pm on August 14 2022. He yelled abuse at the householder, who saw him carrying a black object.
Carlisle Crown Court heard today that this was a baseball bat.
After Maclaurin kicked open a gate and entered the garden, he used it to strike the man to the left side of his body. He continued to swing the weapon around before leaving the scene but not before swearing at a concerned neighbour, who called the police.
The victim spoke of suffering pain, soreness and limited mobility in the aftermath, and of feeling physically sick.
He attended hospital for treatment and spoke of the profound impact on his life in a statement, saying: “I was already vulnerable. This has made me worse.”
Police drew a Taser and red-dotted Maclaurin, of The Ferns, Egremont, when they went to his home.
In interview, he claimed not to recall the attack and spoke of his mind being “blank” after drinking. When brought to court he admitted actual bodily harm assault and possessing an offensive weapon.
In court, Maclaurin’s lawyer gave mitigation and said references had been provided on his behalf. He had sought medical assistance after the incident to try and find out why he had behaved violently, the court heard.
Judge Michael Fanning suspended an eight-month prison sentence for 12 months and ordered Maclaurin to pay his victim £500 compensation.
