The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A heavy drinker involved in a scuffle which left a man with injuries escaped a jail sentence at Lincoln Crown Court today (Wednesday).
Anthony Albert Holmes got involved in the drunken fight following an incident at a house in Sharpe Road, Grantham, earlier this year.
Lisa Hardy, prosecuting, said that a number of people were at the property when the victim Tafara Washoma arrived.
Mr Washoma, who had been drinking Guinness and cider, later became involved in an argument and squared up to a woman at the house before the pair began fighting.
The woman picked up a knife and waved it at Mr Washoma and later Holmes also became involved.
During the incident that followed Mr Washoma received a deep cut to his arm although the seriousness of the injury was not initially apparent to the people inside the house.
It was only after Holmes left the house that an ambulance was called and Mr Washoma was taken to hospital where he received treatment for his injury before being discharged the following day.
Miss Hardy said: “Holmes was arrested at his then home address. He was asleep on the sofa when the police arrived and he was still drunk.
“He was interviewed but made no comment.”
Holmes (33), of Lansdowne Court, Spalding, admitted unlawful wounding as a result of the incident on January 27. He was given a community order with 12 months supervision and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.
Tony Stanford, defending, said Holmes was determined to rid himself of his alcohol problem and has cut back to four cans a day.
“He has applied for work and hopes within the next week to learn whether he has obtained a job.”
Judge Michael Heath said it was clear that Mr Washoma was drunk when he arrived at the house and was angry that the party had started without him.
The Judge told Holmes: “The laceration has caused no lasting damage and you have clearly made considerable steps in an attempt to overcome your addiction to alcohol.”
