Man felt remorse after attacking victim

Mary HamiltonA man who joined in a group attack felt so bad about his actions that he called an ambulance for the victim and stayed with him overnight in hospital, a court heard yesterday.Mary Hamilton

A man who joined in a group attack felt so bad about his actions that he called an ambulance for the victim and stayed with him overnight in hospital, a court heard yesterday.

Richard Stowe, 31, handed himself in to the police after the attack, which left a young man with two black eyes and bruised ribs.

Stowe and three other people assaulted the victim on November 14 at a house in Stalham after he made provocative comments about pregnancy, Cromer magistrates were told.

Ross Burrows, mitigating, said the comments struck a raw nerve for Stowe, whose second child was stillborn a few days earlier, and he lashed out in anger.

Although he did not start the fight, Stowe punched the victim seven or eight times while the others kicked, punched and slapped him, the court heard.

Stowe's employer James Wheeler, who went with him to give a statement to police, said: 'He was aware he had done something very wrong and he decided to do something about it.'

Two of the other attackers were given police cautions, and the third will appear before Cromer magistrates later this month charged with assault.

Stowe, of St Benets Road, Stalham, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Cromer magistrates court yesterday. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.