CRAIG HILLMAN FROM BARTON AND WORKSOP SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL LANDLORD ATTACK IN BARTON-UPON-HUMBER

In a serious criminal case that has shocked the local community, Craig Hillman, a 21-year-old man from Barton, was sentenced to a total of 39 months in prison following a violent assault on a pub landlord in Barton-Upon-Humber. The incident, which took place in the early hours of a night in May 2009, resulted in severe injuries to the victim, Simon Tuplin, the landlord of the Red Lion pub, and has left lasting physical and cognitive scars.

According to court reports, the attack occurred around 11:30 pm when Mr. Tuplin was enjoying a quiet evening at his own establishment. Hillman, who was out drinking with his cousin Christopher Hillman, had been in Barton earlier that evening. The two men later went to the Red Lion, where Mr. Tuplin was working on his night off. During the course of the evening, Mr. Tuplin began to feel unwell and stepped outside into the alleyway to be sick. Witnesses, including Christopher Hillman, later told police that they had been drinking and urinating against the wall when they were confronted by Mr. Tuplin.

It was at this point that the situation escalated. Christopher Hillman recounted that he saw Craig Hillman lash out with a clenched fist, striking Mr. Tuplin. The landlord was knocked to the ground, hitting his head on the concrete floor. The force of the blow caused a fractured skull and swelling to the brain, injuries so severe that they could lead to lifelong cognitive and intellectual impairments. The incident was described in court as a brutal and unprovoked attack that nearly resulted in Mr. Tuplin’s death.

Judge David Tremberg, presiding over the case at Grimsby Crown Court, condemned Hillman’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of the injuries inflicted. The judge stated, “This victim fell, struck his head and sustained a fracture to the skull, an injury on which he nearly died.” He further added, “He will probably always have significant cognitive and intellectual impairments. His family will have to endure the consequences of what you did for a very long time.”

Hillman, who was already on bail for an affray and under a community order for two counts of sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Mr. Tuplin. The court heard that Hillman had also been found in possession of a blade, leading to an additional charge of possession of a weapon, for which he received a nine-month sentence. All sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a combined prison term of three years and three months.

During the sentencing, the court was informed that Hillman’s actions were not only reckless but also carried serious consequences. The judge revoked his previous community sentence and added six months for the sexual assault charges. Following his release, Hillman indicated that he did not plan to return to the Barton-Upon-Humber area.

In the aftermath of the attack, Mr. Tuplin’s partner, Vicky Salter, expressed her disappointment with the outcome, stating she was ‘disappointed’ with the sentencing considering the extensive recovery her partner faces. The court proceedings revealed that the incident was sparked when Mr. Tuplin, acting in his capacity as landlord, attempted to remove alcohol from Hillman and his cousin, which led to Hillman’s violent response. Witnesses described how Hillman’s punch caused Mr. Tuplin to fall and hit his head with a force that could have been fatal.

This case highlights the dangers of alcohol-fueled violence and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. The community in Barton and Worksop will undoubtedly be affected by the repercussions of this violent act, which has left a lasting scar on the victim and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability for such serious offenses.