Brighouse man who launched unprovoked attack avoids immediate jail

Lorry driver Ian Cockroft, 50, had been standing with colleagues on the approach road to the Cromwell Bottom Tip a year ago when father-of-two Scott Holmes drove by in his BMW convertible.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Holmes, who was exiting the site, shouted abuse at Mr Cockroft to get out of his way before stopping his car and reversing back.

Prosecutor Ben Thomas described how Holmes, now 36, got out of the BMW and started punching Mr Cockroft to his head and body.

At one stage Holmes threatened to “cut” the complainant and went to the boot of his car before walking quickly back to his victim with his hand hidden behind his back.

Mr Thomas said Holmes lunged at Mr Cockroft but he did not in fact have anything in his hand and he continued to punch him.

Before driving away Holmes made a “cutting gesture” across his throat towards Mr Cockroft.

As a result of the attack Mr Cockroft suffered cuts to his face, lip and ear and had been unable to work as a lorry driver because of neck and shoulder pain.

Holmes pleaded guilty to a charge of assault and his barrister Allan Armbrister explained that the defendant had been suffering from depression and was “experimenting” with different types of medication.

Mr Armbrister said his client’s nerves were on edge and he acted in a way which was totally out of character.

He said Holmes wanted to apologise and he was deeply sorry for what happened that day.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said said it must have been a shocking experience for Mr Cockroft who was totally innocent.

The judge sentenced married delivery driver Holmes, of Elland Road, Brighouse, to seven months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to do 150 hours unpaid work for the community.

Judge Durham Hall also imposed the £1,000 compensation which Holmes will have to pay at the rate of £20 per week.