Flint,North Wales - Facebook boast led to attacker of cyclist in Flint being arrested

Published date: 27 November 2015 | 

Published by: Staff reporter
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A MAN who attacked a cyclist in Flint town centre was caught after allegedly boasting about it on Facebook.

Anthony Leslie Burrows, 47, was on his bicycle in Church Street in July of last year when a woman complained he was on the pavement.

Her partner then got involved and attacked the cyclist.

Michael Anthony Hill, 31, of King Edward Street in Shotton, punched Mr Burrows who fell off his bicycle and hit his head on some railings.

He was then struck four times while he was on the ground.

Mold Crown Court heard Hill later made comments of a boastful nature on Facebook and was identified and arrested.

Hill admitted an assault charge and received a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after being told that was not how civilised people behaved.

He was also ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work and he was made the subject of an electronic curfew and must remain indoors every day between 8pm and 6am for three months.

Judge Geraint Walters said if he breached the order or committed any further offence then he would be sent to prison.

As the judge made his sentencing remarks, Hill interrupted and said he was attacked and he had acted in self-defence.

The judge said a guilty plea normally indicated an acceptance of guilt and remorse.

“You did ultimately plead guilty although you are doing your level best at the moment to remove that credit,” the judge warned him.

The assault happened in broad daylight as people were going about their daily business.

There had been an argument, Hill intervened and punched the complainant who fell backwards, causing him to hit his head on the railings.

“When he was on the ground you delivered several other punches to him,” the judge explained.”There was no justification for that whatsoever.

“Decent, civilised 31-year-olds do not behave like that in public places.”

There had been a long delay in dealing with the case which clearly passed the custody threshold and the judge said he could have no complaint if he was sent immediately to prison, but he had decided to suspend it.

Gareth Austin, prosecuting, said a head injury suffered by Mr Burrows ended up being glued and he also suffered a black eye, bruising, and scratches to his knees and elbows.

Mr Austin said the victim did not know Hill, but he heard through someone else that some comments were being made by him about the incident on Facebook.

The comments were in a boastful manner, Mr Austin explained.

He said the victim had a look on Facebook, recognised the person who assaulted him and the police were informed.

Hill gave a no comment interview and later claimed he had acted in self defence. 

He initially pleaded not guilty, but then admitted the offence on a written basis.

Richard Thomas, defending, said Hill's plea had saved witnesses, including a schoolboy, from having to give evidence.

At the time Hill was with his girlfriend, but they were no longer together.

While he had a record, he had not been in trouble for a long time. He had grown up and was now working full time as a ground worker.