A man has been jailed for 18 months today (14 April) after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm following a Crown Court trial earlier this year.
Daniel Rhodes, 33, of Marsh Street, Askam-in-Furness, had denied the offence but was found guilty on 24 February following a trial at Preston Crown Court.
The court had heard that, on 23 December 2022, the victim of the assault had been parked up when he noticed two vehicles attempting to drive the wrong way up a one-way street.
Rhodes was driving the first vehicle and his then partner was driving the second.
The victim attempted to communicate that they were making a mistake as the second vehicle passed him.
Rhodes then stopped his car, got out and approached the victim.
The victim told the court how he turned to see Rhodes had approached him and he was then punched in the face by Rhodes, causing him to fall backwards, striking his head on the ground.
The victim – a man in his 70s - suffered a cut to his cheek from the punch and a cut to the back of his head from the fall.
He was taken to hospital with neck pain and was found to have suffered a significant upper-spine injury, which continues to impact his life.
Rhodes was arrested and told officers that he had not thrown a punch but had accidently bumped into the victim when trying to get between him and the vehicle.
Rhodes had denied the offence at court but was convicted and was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Preston Crown Court.
Detective Constable Paris Cross of Cumbria Police said: “Nationwide, we have seen many examples where a single punch assault can have horrific and even tragic consequences.
“In this instance, the victim of the assault remains impacted by the actions of Rhodes to this day.
“As such we welcome the significant custodial sentence and hope that it serves as a warning to anyone who thinks it is an option to resolve a disagreement with their fists.”