A man who attacked his bare-chested victim at a homeless hostel has been sentenced.
Sean Patrick Penny, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (7 September).
Asha Seenauth, prosecuting, said the incident took place at Unity House in Wood Lane, Chippenham, after 11pm on 15 June last year.
The case was brought to court on CCTV footage alone, as the victim has never supported the prosecution. It was said that all parties involved were drunk at the time of the assault.
Penny could be seen throwing multiple punches at the man in the doorway of the homeless hostel – and the victim was not seen to offer any violence back.
Police officers visited the victim, who showed them an injury to his lip, but refused to provide a statement.
Charlotte Frizzell, defending, said the incident started when the victim provoked the males before attempting to retreat indoors – that’s when the altercation takes place.
She said that Penny, of London Road, Chippenham, met with the victim the next day and apologised for his actions – and they are now good friends.
She described the event as a “stupid drunken incident”.
Magistrates handed down a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.
