Man attacked after messaging his ex
A Shropshire man was confronted at his home by a stranger and headbutted – because he had sent his ex-girlfriend a message on Facebook.
Sean Williams suffered fractures to three teeth during the attack by Christopher Rhodes at his home in Market Drayton, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Rhodes appeared at Mr Williams's home 30 minutes after he sent a Facebook message to his former lover, who also knew Rhodes. He told Mr Williams: "I could kill you" before headbutting him during the assault on July 12 last year, the court heard.
Mr Williams – who had never met Rhodes before – has since had the damaged teeth extracted and replaced with dentures which he must use for rest of his life. Rhodes, who had admitted a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm, was sentenced to two years in prison at court yesterday.
The 36-year-old, of Horsley, Eccleshall, was told by Recorder Peter Cooke he had inflicted serious injuries on Mr Williams.
Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said that on the evening of July 12 last year Mr Williams had been at home in Allen Gardens and sent a Facebook message to his former girlfriend.
About 30 minutes later at about 10pm, the defendant, who the victim did not know and had never met before, turned up. As it was a warm evening the front door was open, Mr Edwards said.
Mr Edwards said the defendant said "I could kill you" before butting Mr Williams in the face.
He said that Rhodes was traced through a Mercedes van he had borrowed and had a mark on his forehead the size of a 50 pence piece.
He initially denied being at Market Drayton or driving the van, but was later identified as the attacker, and made a no comment interview.
Mr Edwards said that the victim had suffered pain and discomfort and had trouble eating and was "devastated" by the outcome of the assault.
Recorder Cooke said Rhodes had been involved in previous incidents of violence and had used his head as weapon in this "sorry episode".
