DAVID KELLY

EX-DOORMAN SPARED JAIL AFTER STRANGLING AUTISTIC BOY IN STREET

A former doorman named David Kelly was involved in a violent incident where he told a 12-year-old boy he would "snap his legs" and then proceeded to strangulate him in the street.

The incident was triggered by the boy, who has autism, apparently bullying Kelly's son.

Witnesses intervened to stop the attack.

Kelly, aged 50, has a history of 22 previous convictions for 37 offences, including violence, wounding, unlawful wounding, violent disorder, and affray.

His last violence-related conviction was in 2017; he also faced a public order matter in 2021.

The court heard that Kelly had approached the boy near his home following a previous falling out and threatened him.

He chased the boy after being filmed by a doorbell camera, grabbed him by the throat, and strangled him until neighbors pulled him away.

The victim described being left with a sore windpipe and feeling scared to go outside afterward.

Kelly admitted to one count of intentional strangulation and was sentenced to a 15-month suspended prison term with 200 hours of unpaid work and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The judge noted the incident stemmed from Kelly’s overprotectiveness and his poor record of violence but acknowledged his efforts to turn over a new leaf, including abstaining from alcohol and caring full-time for his son.

Kelly will also pay £500 in compensation and face a restraining order preventing contact with the victim for two years.