HUDDERSFIELD MAN WHO ATTACKED DISABLED TEENAGER APOLOGIZES IN COURT
A man named Samuel Smith attacked a cerebral palsy sufferer at Huddersfield Railway Station shortly before 7pm on June 21.The victim, Kaden Liburd, was celebrating his 18th birthday when Smith pushed him to the floor after he approached and shouted, 'Do you want it?' in an aggressive manner.
Smith then used both hands against Mr.
Liburd's chest, knocking him to the ground.
Smith, who was intoxicated, was restrained by one of the victim's friends to prevent further violence, and was detained after a Police Community Support Officer called for assistance.
During the court hearing at Kirklees Magistrates', Smith, of Ossett (now living in Bridlington), expressed remorse, apologizing to Mr.
Liburd, saying, 'I'd like to say that I'm sorry for what I did.
If I had known he had the condition, I never would have done it.' The court was told that Smith's sister also suffered from cerebral palsy and had died a few years ago.
Magistrates ordered Smith to pay £250 in compensation, and he was fined £380, with additional costs of £85 and a £38 victim surcharge.
Mr.
Liburd testified that the incident has left him feeling scared and less confident about going out alone, stating, 'After the incident I'm scared to go out on my own.
I'm always looking round to see who's there.
I don't feel safe or secure.
This incident has really affected me mentally and knocked my confidence.' Smith also responded in court, saying, 'I'm ashamed, I really am,' and expressed remorse for the attack.
