Man brutally attacked after pulling out of drugs deal

Mark Boulton was attacked by two men who punched him to the ground and kicked him.

The attackers, Lee Dunbar and Aaron Moorcroft, ran off when the noise of the fight woke residents who called the police.

Mr Boulton, covered in blood, staggered to a nearby house for help, Stafford Crown Court heard.

Miss Jennifer Jacobs, prosecuting, said Mr Boulton later said he had been trying to buy drugs from Moorcroft, but after agreeing a deal the price went up and he decided to withdraw from the agreement.

Mr Boulton, who had been drinking heavily came across the defendants in the last pub he visited and they followed the victim out of the pub.

It was not clear how the fight started but it woke nearby residents.

The victim ended up on the floor with the defendants attacking him - Moorcroft raining punches, while Dunbar kicked him once and then sat on his legs.

Mr Boulton suffered injuries to his face, head and body but luckily no fractures, Miss Jacobs said.

Dunbar, aged 24, of Dorney Place, Bridgtown, Cannock and Moorcroft, aged 25, of Bishops Offley, near Stafford, both admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. Each were given six-month prison sentences but Dunbar's was suspended for two years and he was ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Recorder Mr Michael Elsom told the pair: "Each of you behaved disgracefully. Whatever Mr Boulton wanted to buy, whatever change of mind he expressed, however drunk he was, doesn't excuse your behaviour."

"Now you must pay the price for what you did over a year ago. It's regrettable it has taken so long."

Miss Jacobs said the assault happened on the night of August 8 last year in Queen Street, Chasetown. The defendants were arrested as a result of CCTV evidence.

Mr Mark Moore, for Moorcroft, said Mr Boulton had initially walked away after discussions had taken place and it was his returning to the defendants which triggered the offence. There had been no premeditation.

Mr Paul Mytton, for Dunbar, added: "In the 13 months which have elapsed he hasn't come to the attention of the courts and has not been going around getting in to trouble drinking too much."