Shropshire Star

Jailed: Telford man in street fight threatened victim with metal baseball bat

A Telford man has been jailed for 18 months after a street fight in which he threatened the victim with a baseball bat.

Published

James Mullarkey stopped Wayne Pugh's car in the street and began assaulting him.

An off-duty policeman saw the two men start to fight on October 15 last year at 10.15am and then saw Mullarkey, 30 of Teme Avenue, Wellington, return to his car and retrieve a metal baseball bat from the boot with which he threatened Mr Pugh.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday Judge Michael Challinor heard that the off-duty officer stepped out of his car and shouted at the two men to stop and that the police were on the way.

Julian Taylor, prosecuting, said: "An off-duty policeman has been driving through Lawley Village when he saw two cars stop in the road. As he watched he saw the drivers get out of their vehicles. The defendant walked towards Mr Pugh and there was a fight, although the defendant was the instigator.

"The defendant was in a headlock on the floor but then he got up and went back to his car. He then walked up to Mr Pugh with a metal pole in his hand.

"The off-duty policeman said 'stop it' and added that the police were on their way.

"The defendant then got into his car and drove off."

He added that Mr Pugh was bleeding from his head and ear.

Mullarkey was traced to his mother's house by the number plate and when police searched the car they found a metal baseball bat along with a pepper spray canister and a knuckleduster.

At a previous hearing he had admitted charges of threatening another with an offensive weapon, possession of a prohibitive weapon, assault by beating and having an offensive weapon.

When the father-of-one was arrested he made no comment.

Delroy Henry for Mullarkey said: "This behaviour was disgraceful. There was no good reason for it at all. He is 30 years old and is old enough to know better.

"He has some anger management issues. But he is remorseful and he now has some insight into his offending.

"He is reducing his alcohol consumption and that has helped him to stay on the straight and narrow. He has a six-month-old son and has a very good job. He also makes some real voluntary contributions to his community and has been involved in fundraising work."

But Judge Challinor said: "You started this violence when you saw Mr Pugh.

"You were carrying dangerous weapons and the harm those weapons could cause was considerable.

"However, you appear to have some insight into your offending and there appears to be a lot of good in you. I hope that when you are released from prison you will recognise that you have responsibilities."

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