Court hears Walker man left victim unconscious in brutal stairwell attack

Jack Learmouth bumped into the victim in Walkergate, Newcastle, at just after 10pm last August 4 and exchanged a few words before he lashed out.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Learmouth attacked then returned to land more kicks before he eventually walked off and left the victim, who was found unconscious the next morning.

Prosecutor Shada Mellor told the court the attack was captured on CCTV and the victim has not co-operated with the court proceedings.

Miss Mellor said the footage showed Learmouth initially punched the man before he pushed him to the ground and told the court: "The defendant stamps on his head and kicks him twice to the head.

"The defendant walks away for a second then returns and kicks him twice more in the head."

The court heard CCTV footage showed the victim was left curled up on the floor amongst rubbish before Learmouth left then returned to kick him again.

Miss Mellor said Learmouth left a second time then came back later, when the victim was still unconscious at the bottom of the stairs, but walked off.

He added: "The crown will say the defendant was aware he was in a bad condition and took no action to seek medical attention.

"The emergency services were called when a resident on his way to work the next morning saw the victim lying unconscious.

The man was taken to the RVI with facial injuries and later claimed he had lost four teeth and been in a coma, although there was no medical evidence about that.

Learmouth, 28, of Walkerdene House, Walker, admitted causing grievous bodily harm.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said Learmouth has taken on responsibilities and learned new skills while in custody on remand, where he is now drink and drug free and hoping for a positive future.

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Mr Cornberg added: "He has reminded himself who he really is and the positive things he is capable of when not under the influence of substances."

Mr Recorder Tom Moran sentenced Learmouth to 20 months suspended for 18 months with 80 hour unpaid work, rehabilitation and programme requirements.

The court heard Learmouth spent more than six months in custody on remand.