Tetbury man admits assault to steal trainers (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

James Gray, of New Church Street, Tetbury admitted assault to steal trainers

7:00pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Standard reporter

A TETBURY man who launched an unprovoked attack on another man in order to steal his trainers has been ordered to carry out community service.

James Gray, of New Church Street, Tetbury, pleaded guilty to charges of theft and assault when he appeared at Gloucester Crown Court last week.

The court heard how the 25-year-old had leapt from a 4x4 vehicle in Hampton Street, Tetbury, on January 19 this year before punching Wayne Merchant.

His victim was knocked to the ground where Gray then kneed him twice to the head before ripping one of his trainers off. He demanded the second shoe and then calmly returned to the vehicle which drove off.

Prosecutor Lisa Hennessy said Mr Merchant could hear Gray shouting at him about selling one of his vans.

"Mr Marchant had no idea what he was talking about," she said. "Gray then pulled off his left trainer and shouted 'give me your other f***ing shoe.' He took both trainers and walked back to the car.

"The trainers were Mr Merchant's present from his girlfriend and he'd only had them a day. They had cost her £44.99.

"A witness saw Mr Merchant's face covered in blood, which was pouring off him as he made his way up the road. The driver of the car, who was an older man, then shouted at him that he was not finished. The car drove off."

When Gray was later arrested, after being picked out by Mr Merchant on an identity procedure, he refused to make any comment.

However, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and also ordered to pay £150 compensation to his victim.