Man jailed after walking stick attack

An offender who split a man’s head open after hitting him with his walking stick has been jailed.

John Williams launched the attack in a McDonald’s restaurant, in Milton Street, Nottingham, on 9 December 2023.

Police were able to identify Williams as the attacker having attended previous incidents where he had been involved.

It is believed the two men had been involved in an earlier disagreement.

The victim required hospital treatment after suffering a large cut to his head which needed seven stitches.

Williams, aged 45, of no fixed abode, was jailed for a total of 18 months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (30 May).

He had earlier pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and breaching his bail conditions.

Williams also pleaded guilty to threatening another victim with a knife in Angel Row on 14 April 2024.

Inspector John Lees, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“This was an unpleasant attack in a busy fast food restaurant which will have been seen by a number of people as they ate at nearby tables.

“Williams was heavily intoxicated when he used his walking stick as a weapon with which to attack the victim.

“Thankfully, Williams was arrested a short time later and was well-known to city-based officers because of their close links to the neighbourhood.

“Whatever the background to the dispute between the two men, his attack was completely unacceptable.

"We will not tolerate this sort of violence on our streets, and on the rare occasions incidents like this take place we will employ every tool at our disposal to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I’m pleased the judge has seen fit to put Williams behind bars where he can reflect on his behaviour.”