Soldier spared a prison sentence
Tuesday 9th September 2008, 11:55AM BST.
A soldier involved in a brawl in Shrewsbury town centre avoided a prison term after the judge heard that his skills were invaluable to his unit in Afghanistan.
Judge Robin Onions said Sergeant Neil Middleditch had the best references he had ever seen and depriving the army of his experience could put other soldiers at risk.
Middleditch, 38, of Sidmouth, Devon, an assault engineer working with explosives on the frontline, was ordered to carry out 125 hours unpaid work in the community and pay £192 costs after admitting affray in Shrewsbury on August 7.
He was one of a number of people involved in a brawl outside Vincent’s Taxis.
Luke O’Brien, 19, of Middlegate, Shrewsbury, who also admitted affray, was ordered to do 125 hours unpaid work, pay £192 costs and be subject to an evening curfew at weekends.
Neil Pritchard, 35, of Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, who admitted affray, assault causing actual bodily harm and possessing amphetamine, was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work, fined £250 and ordered to pay £213 cost.
The three were all committed to the Crown Court by Shrewsbury Magistrates for sentence.
Mr Mark Linkins, prosecuting, said Pritchard got out of a taxi and threw a punch at one of the opposing group. Middleditch involved himself after his brother was knocked unconscious while O’Brien become involved after the worse of the fighting.
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