08 February 2024 , 14:43
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A boozed-up dad has avoided jail after he knocked a man unconscious during a street brawl in a city centre.
Darren Hamilton, 36, carried out the one-punch attack on the evening of April 9 last year in Durham. He is seen grinning in a police handout photograph.
Teesside Crown Court heard the incident took place at around 9.30pm, and was captured on council CCTV. A court heard that there was a "general disturbance" before Darren Hamilton, a dad from Stockton, delivered a "powerful blow" to the victim while under the influence of alcohol.
Prosecutor Peter Sabiston said: "There were a number of males who were fighting. The victim appeared from behind a white van and the defendant threw a powerful blow putting [name of victim] on the ground."
The CCTV was played in court and showed the man being knocked unconscious. Describing the video, a Durham Police statement heard in court read: "The footage starts with two males fighting in the street with one male being the defendant Mr Hamilton. Three males join Mr Hamilton in an assault on the male and another male tries to intervene."
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"The groups separate and a male in a checked shirt walks back. Mr Hamilton then comes from behind the male and punches him to the head knocking him to the floor. The male is clearly unconscious as he hits the road. Mr Hamilton then jumps around before walking off."
The court heard police arrested Hamilton shortly after and the victim was put into the recovery position. Mr Sabiston said the man sustained bruising to the jaw and face. He also suffered soreness and bruising to the back of his head and was off work for two weeks. Mr Sabiston said the defendant has a history of violence, and has 33 previous convictions. The defendant was previously sentenced to 36 weeks behind bars in 2020 for assault, two counts of common assault, and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
The court heard Hamilton has support from his partner and the pair have recently had a baby together, reports Teesside Live. Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe KC said the family would miss out on his support if he was handed a prison sentence.
He was handed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months. He must complete 30 days rehabilitation, 200 hours unpaid work, and will be subject to an alcohol abstinence requirement. The 36-year-old must also complete the Thinking Skills programme and pay a £150 financial penalty.