Man punched in the face three times by friend (From Worcester News)

Man punched in the face three times by friend

6:50pm Monday 6th February 2012 in Local

A STREET drinker punched a man in the face for calling him a tramp and because he believed that he had been burgling old ladies.

Patrick Niblett was seen by security staff in Angel Street, Worcester, punching Marco Velasco three times in the face.

Niblett, aged 71, of Bromyard Road, St John’s, Worcester, admitted assault at around 3.10pm on January 19 when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester.

Samantha Webley, prosecuting, said Mr Velasco had called police from a nearby phone box after the assault and Niblett was arrested.

In a police interview Niblett said: “I gave him a slap because he burgled old ladies in Malvern and when he was in prison he told me he was in for stealing cars. He needed sorting.”

Mrs Webley said Mr Velasco reported pain to his head after the attack, but told police he did not want to see Taffy, as Niblett is known to him, go to court.

Mr Velasco, who told police he viewed Niblett as a father-figure, dropped the complaint, but because the attack was witnessed by others the case against him went ahead.

Niblett has been subject to an anti-social behaviour order since September 2009.

Paul Stanley, defending, said Niblett was someone who was well known to the local courts, although he had not been seen in court for quite a long period of time.

Mr Stanley said Niblett was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for breach of a criminal anti-social behaviour order in April last year and since then had been living in the Birmingham area.

“He has dramatically reduced his alcohol consumption. It’s nice for him to be able to walk through the doors of the court, rather than appear in custody.”

Mr Stanley, describing the incident, said: “He has come across another well known street drinker, Jim Wilson, and Marco Velasco and the other two engage in conversation. An argument ensued and Patrick, for the reason he gives to the police, has struck out at Mr Velasco.”

No compensation was awarded to Mr Velasco because he withdrew his complaint, but Niblett was ordered to pay £85 costs.