The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A resident in supported living in Holbeach tried to strangle another when simmering tensions between them boiled over.
Michael Whatton (25) told police he felt like he was “going to explode with anger” prior to assaulting the man.
Prosecutor Alison McIlroy told Boston Magistrates’ Court on Monday: “Mr Whatton had returned from the pub, having had three pints of cider.
“He was particularly agitated as a result of an incident the week before. Staff said they had expected an incident.
“He used two hands around [the complainant’s] neck, causing him some difficulties to breathe.
“They were separated by support staff.”
Whatton then went to the back of the home in Spalding Road and smashed the victim’s room window by throwing stones.
“[The victim] is described as being very upset, crying and on the phone to his parents when the window was broken.”
Whatton pleaded guilty to assault and causing criminal damage on July 8.
Beris Brickles, mitigating, said the incident the week before had involved the complainant seriously assaulting a member of staff.
He added: “My client tried to ring the police and [the complainant] tried to take the phone off him.
“The employee is off work now but for reasons best known to her she doesn’t want to press charges.”
The court was told that the man had been cautioned by police following the incident.
Whatton, who was removed from the home as a result of the incident and is now living with his parents in Grantham, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £165 in costs and victim surcharge.
