Park thug spared prison.

A THUG who assaulted two 14-year-old girls has escaped going to prison.

Wayne McCurry headbutted one of the girls and punched the other four times.

The 30-year-old, who has a history of violence, was jailed for four years in September 2003 for wounding with intent and affray. Gateshead magistrates considered caging him again and told him: “Only custody is appropriate because these were unprovoked attacks but we are suspending the sentence because of your guilty plea.”

McCurry, of Lansbury Drive, Birtley, Gateshead, initially denied both assaults but changed his plea to guilty three days before his trial was due to take place.

Prosecutor Ian Simpson said the attacks on the girls, who can’t be named for legal reasons, took place in a Gateshead park last November 30.

McCurry attacked the girls as they were sitting on swings.

Mr Simpson said neither girl suffered serious injuries.

One was left with a sore ear and the other had bruising around her left eye.

McCurry was given a 26-week sentence suspended for 12 months and 12 months supervision.

He must do 100 hours of unpaid work and pay each of the girls pounds 50 compensation.

The Free Library

Thanks to North East Anti-facists, Indy Media Northern and EDL News for digging out this story from 2009.