2005: ANGRY DAD JAILED FOR ASSAULTING 13 YEAR OLD
A father enraged during an altercation with his two sons attacked a 13-year-old boy, resulting in a one-year prison sentence handed down at Worcester Crown Court.Lawrence Matthews was reported to have seized Michael Pegram by the neck, struck him in the face, pushed him against railings, and kicked him while he lay on the ground.
Judge Andrew Geddes described the incident as a disgraceful assault, emphasizing that it was particularly troubling because other children witnessed the violence and likely felt scared.
Matthews, aged 38 and residing on Albert Road in Droitwich, was found guilty of causing actual bodily harm through a three-day trial held in March.
The incident occurred on December 16, 2003, with Matthews' two sons, aged 16 and 12, present at the scene.
Prosecutor Nigel Hall stated that Matthews threatened the 13-year-old, warning him that if he reported the attack to the police, he would be killed.
Following the assault, the boy was taken to hospital and treated for a cut lip and bruising.
Matthews claimed the injuries happened accidentally during a disagreement when he attempted to separate the group.
Defense attorney Timothy Green noted that Matthews maintained his innocence despite the jury's conviction, describing the attack as impulsive and uncharacteristic behavior from a man acting out of impulse.
