A 15-year-old boy, after a night out in Warrington town centre, assaulted a woman so severely that she suffered multiple damaged teeth, causing violent headaches and a loss of confidence. The incident took place around 6am on December 7 outside Voodoo Bar, where Cheshire Police responded to the assault. The boy, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that the teen punched the woman, knocking her to the ground, in an attack that was captured on CCTV. The victim, in a statement read by the prosecutor, Craig Welsby, shared the impact of the assault, revealing the physical and emotional toll it had taken on her. She described the attack as vicious and expressed confusion about the excessive force used by the young assailant.
At the court hearing, the victim raised concerns about how a minor was allowed entry into bars and nightclubs and remained out until the early hours of the morning. The boy’s defense solicitor, Ian Weights, also questioned the responsibility of the establishments that granted him access, highlighting the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents.
Weights emphasized the boy’s lack of education and the challenges he faced, suggesting that his actions were a result of a lack of guidance and support. The defense painted a picture of a young man ill-equipped for life, grappling with issues of intoxication and communication.
Despite expressing remorse and acknowledging the gravity of his actions, the boy was sentenced to a 12-month youth rehabilitation order and a monitored curfew, along with a compensation requirement for the victim. The magistrates warned him of the potential consequences of his behavior and urged him to avoid further violence.
In response to inquiries about the incident, Inspector Lee Hillyard of Cheshire Police reassured the public of their commitment to working with local authorities to enforce licensing regulations and ensure the safety of young individuals in Warrington. The collaborative efforts aim to prevent similar incidents and maintain a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
