Knuckleduster attack in town centre

A MAN was struck three times with a knuckleduster during a drunken brawl in Warrington town centre.
The two-on-one attack took place outside a Bridge Street bar at 2.30am – and was picked up on CCTV cameras.
Judge Nicholas Woodward, passing sentence at the town’s Crown Court, commented: “Warrington town centre is plagued with drunken, childish youths at this time of night.”
Adam Parkes, 26, of Castle Rise, Runcorn admitted affray and using an offensive weapon and was jailed for 12 months.
Gary Cooper, 39, of Brathay Close, Orford, Warrington admitted affray and was ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work and pay £300 costs.
The court heard Cooper had thrown only one punch, but Judge Woodward told him: “You are frankly too old for this childish behaviour. Warrington town centre is plagued with drunken childish youths at this time of night and you should have more sense than to be there.”
David Jones, prosecuting, said the defendants were seen on CCTV.
Parkes used the knuckleduster three times but later concealed it under a taxi before police arrived.
Natalie Cuddy, defending, said Parkes had been given the knuckleduster outside the bar. He did not normally carry a weapon when out with friends.
He was a recovering drug addict at the time and had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.
The judge told Parkes: “You were armed with a knuckleduster when you and another set upon a young man when he was completely unable to defend himself.”