Thug jailed for revenge attack

RICHARD HILL - jailed

Have-a-go hero praised by judge

A have-a-go hero is in line for a bravery commendation after he fought off two vicious thugs who had attacked a man.

Thomas Delany knocked one of the attackers unconscious when he intervened after spotting the attack happening as he drove home from work.

At Manchester Crown Court yesterday Judge Clement Goldstone QC praised Mr Delany for his public spiritedness and said he would be writing to the Greater Manchester Police chief constable to recommend him for a commendation.

Jailing Richard Hill (22) for seven years, and handing Daniel Livesy (19) a two-year community order, the judge said the injuries they sustained at the hands of Mr Delany were “nothing more than they deserved.”

Victim Christopher Pourabolghassiam was attacked by the men after he and a friend were threatened at a bus stop in September last year. An unidentified man said he would get them “battered” and police believe he then called the group of men to attack them.

The court heard after Mr Pourabolghassiam was tackled to the floor by one man, who has never been traced, he was sat on by knife- wielding Hill, of Old Brow, Mossley.

Daniel Livesy, of The Willows, Mossley, then began kicking and punching the innocent 17-year-old victim as he lay on the floor.

Thomas Delany saw the attack happening and got out of his car to go to Mr Pourabolghassiam’s aid.

Mr Mark Monaghan, prosecuting, said: “He ran over and kicked Hill in order to bring the incident to an end. The kick from Mr Delany knocked Hill unconscious.

“He then kicked Daniel Livesy which stopped him attacking the victim.

“Mr Pourabolghassiam was taken to hospital. He had two defensive wounds to the upper front of his right arm..

“And what looks like a smaller wound on the lower side of his chest was potentially life threatening.

“Hill was also taken to hospital with a fracture to his jaw.”

Hill pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and Livesy pleaded guilty to wounding at an earlier hearing.

Mr Mark Fireman, defending Hill, said: “He is not a man with any violence on his record. This is clearly an act which is utterly out of character.

“This incident was provoked — rightly or wrongly — by the fact that he received a telephone call. His understanding was that someone had been injured by the victim. ”

Mr Hunter Gray, defending Livesy, said: “He was involved in a revenge attack believing that one of his friends had been assaulted. He himself required 8 stitches in his nose.”

Judge Goldstone said: “You two were part of a posse of five who went to search out two men who you believed, quite wrongly, had assauled your friend.

“You, Hill, sat on top of your victim and stabbed him three times, the third penetrated his chest wall.

“It was potentially life threatening but mercifully it didn’t penetrate his lung so there was no internal bleeding.

“I have no doubt that the attack would have continued had it not been for the brave and timely intervention of Thomas Delany.

“I would like to commend the bravery and public spirit of Mr Delany.”