St Helens man caused bleeds on the brain in Widnes assault

Ryan Sumner sped off in a car while the man lay bleeding and unconscious in the road in Widnes, with the incident having a ‘devastating’ impact.

The 22-year-old, from St Helens, was told that while the option was open to a judge to suspend the sentence of imprisonment, it was not a course of action that would be taken.

The defendant was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, and he appeared to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Wednesday.

Martin Walsh, prosecuting, explained how the offence occurred on July 26 last year at around 3.45pm.

The victim was walking through Lincoln Square on the way to the park with his partner, their young child, newborn baby and dog.

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He saw a blue sports car approaching and the defendant getting out of the passenger side, who then challenged him over perceived money owed.

Sumner then struck the victim twice with his fists direct to the temple, initially leaving a 2cm laceration.

The victim’s partner tried to get between the pair but was pushed over by the defendant, leaving her with a grazed elbow.

The assault occurred in the vicinity of Lincoln Square (Image: Google Maps)

This caused the pram with the newborn inside to roll into the road, although it was quickly recovered with no injury caused.

After being hit, the victim staggered a short distance away before falling flat into the road, unconscious and bleeding.

The attacker returned to the passenger side of the car, which then drove off back to the St Helens area.

Paramedics attended the scene and the man was rushed to Whiston Hospital initially, before being moved to the Walton Centre, which specialises in neurology.

He was found to have suffered a haematoma, with a CT scan finding a fractured skull and cheekbone and two bleeds on the brain.

Sumner gave no comment to officers during his police interview months later.

In an impact statement eight months after the attack, the victim reported suffering from dizziness and memory loss, as well as an inability to look after his children or eat without vomiting.

He said he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and was left scared, anxious and panicky when leaving the house, constantly looking over his shoulder.

The statement told of how he has turned to alcohol, with his relationship ending due to problems caused through his injuries, leaving him effectively homeless.

Sumner was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court

In defence of his client, Julian Nutter spoke of how Sumner had a ‘lack of maturity’ at the time and found out that a close relative was terminally ill shortly before the offence took place.

He said that the defendant’s employer, where he works as a labourer, believes he is remorseful and that his actions were out of character.

The barrister, who himself described Sumner as a ‘young fool’, referenced that he has been out of trouble in the 14 months since the incident, is a paid carer for a relative, has a ‘realistic prospect of rehabilitation’ and pleaded guilty, not at the first opportunity, but after a trial date was set.

“If he is sentenced to immediate custody, as might be tempting, he cannot compensate his victim,” he added.

Before sentencing, judge David Hale highlighted that for the assault to have had such a ‘devastating’ impact, it ‘must have been quite a clout’.

“I can suspend the sentence, and I have been anxiously considering if I should,” he concluded.

“You are now starting to mature, are working hard for your employer and are a paid carer. On the other hand, I have the injuries to this man in the street in broad daylight in the presence of children.

“I have been anxiously considering if I can, in conscience, suspend the sentence, and I have decided I cannot.”

Sumner, of Moorwood Crescent in Clock Face, was sentenced to two years in custody.

He is also now subject to a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim until further order.