Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Gemma Bradley

Man gouged dad's eyes after being told football 'just a game'

A man launched a drunken attack on his girlfriend’s step-father after being told “it’s just a game” following the Champions League final, a court has heard.

Anthony Griffin, of Bond Street, Pontefract, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for one count of causing actual bodily harm. Edward Rattigan, prosecuting, detailed that on May 28 last year, Griffin had been watching Liverpool play Real Madrid in the final with John Ashcroft at the victim's home address on Coral Drive, Bootle.

Griffin, 29, was then in a relationship with Mr Ashcroft’s step daughter, and was drunk when the offence took place. After the football game ended with Liverpool losing 1-0, an argument between Mr Ashcroft and Griffin began, during which time Mr Ashcroft said “it is just a game”.

READ MORE: Alec Baldwin formally charged with involuntary manslaughter after Rust shooting

Mr Rattigan said: “This angered the defendant, and he began to make threats and threw him to the floor.” Griffin then launched an attack on Mr Ashcroft, punching him in the head and gouging his eyes.

He also attempted to strangle Mr Ashcroft, before members of the family also present intervened and managed to get Griffin off the victim. Mr Ashcroft ran inside his house and locked the door, but Griffin followed, and was described as “screaming and banging on the window to get back inside”, but was unable to.

The victim was left with scratches to his face and sore eyes, but no serious injuries. Griffin has a previous conviction for assault in 2010.

Steven Charters, defending, detailed that this attack was out of character for Griffin, and he deeply regrets it. He said: “He showed vast amounts of mitigation, remorse and regret.

“He accepted that it should not have happened. It was a foolish, one off spontaneous event. It must be pretty awful to have such an offence occur in your own home.”

In sentencing District Judge James Clarke said: “Choking is the most significant feature to the assault, but I accept this was out of character.”

Griffin was sentenced to a community order for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to complete 60 days of abstinence monitored by a tag, and pay compensation costs of £500, plus £120 in prosecution costs and £114 victim surcharge.

READ NEXT

Mum stabbed her husband in chest after trip to Costco

Man doused girlfriend's bed in turpentine and set it on fire as she lay in it

People can get a week in Lake District cottage for £77

'Middle man' in drug trade identified by pictures of girlfriend's dachshund Dennis

Merseyside's 'unsellable home' has been listed for years

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.