AN ATTACKER who was found guilty of a “prolonged” assault has avoided jail.

Mark Caley, 58, attacked a man and caused him actual bodily harm in an incident in Hereford almost two years ago. 

Caley, of Riddings Meadow, Ludlow, was found guilty of one count of assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm, and was handed a 26-week prison sentenced suspended for 12 months.

This means he has avoided being sent to prison straight away, and would only be imprisoned if he were to re-offend in the next year.

Magistrates reached their verdict in a trial at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on September 16.

The offence was committed on November 20, 2022.

Magistrates said that the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, and prosecutor Paul John said that it was a “prolonged attack” on another man.

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Caley has been told to pay the victim £200 in compensation.

He must also pay £630 in prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Caley, who was represented in court by defence solicitor Marilena Di Vitantonio must settle his court bill in full by October 14.