Man jailed over 'vicious and unprovoked' attack

Alex Newsome had previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm

A man has been jailed for a "vicious and unprovoked" attack in York city centre which left another man with serious injuries.

Alex Newsome, 27, repeatedly punched and kicked his victim on 20 November 2022 after chasing him from High Petergate to Exhibition Square.

The victim, who Newsome did not know, was left with four fractured ribs, a punctured lung and severe bruising.

Newsome, of Burton Stone Lane, York, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at York Crown Court after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm.

The assault happened in the early hours of the morning as the victim, a man in his 30s, walked home from a night out.

Det Con Jenna Hallewell from North Yorkshire Police said: "The vicious and unprovoked assault Newsome inflicted upon the victim has greatly affected his life since the attack.

"His confidence has been shattered and he now struggles to go out in the city centre with his friends."

Reading from the victim's personal statement in court, the prosecuting solicitor said: "I still get pain from this attack today and some days can be worse than others. I was so lucky I did not die.

"I am now always looking over my shoulder when I am out and about in confined areas or if I hear someone close behind me."

Newsome was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £187 to help fund support for victims.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.