Thug left four people injured

A thug attacked four people in the street including his mother who was thrown up against a car during a terrifying outburst of violence.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, July 6, how Reece Hardy, 21, of Dover Street, Creswell, had initially been abusing a female in a group on Elmton Road, Creswell, before someone said something about his father which triggered his outburst.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “He was angry with a female in a group with two of the complainants Marc Wood and Matthew Harris and he was shouting and calling her names.”

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As the group walked away Matthew Harris said something about Hardy’s father, according to Ms Haslam, and Hardy ran to the group and pushed Matthew Harris over.

Ms Haslam added: “Matthew Harris ended up on the ground and as Marc Wood tried to calm Hardy he was pushed in the chest and punched in the jaw.”

Hardy’s mum Samantha Bettison saw the commotion, according to Ms Haslam, and was driven to her son by Benjamin Twigg.

But the court heard how Hardy turned on his mother pushing her against Mr Twigg’s car and throwing punches at her before he tried grabbing Mr Twigg around the neck and tried pulling him out of his Audi A3.

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Samathan Bettison stated she had been trying to calm Hardy down but he had been acting like he was possessed throwing punches and slamming her against the car.

Hardy pleaded guilty to four counts of assault and one count of damaging Mr Twigg’s car which was left dented with a sprained door handle and a loose light after the incident on June 16.

The probation service stated Hardy had no recollection of the incident due to alcohol.

Defence solicitor Felicity Coats said: “He’s very remorseful and when mention has been made of his mother he has become very upset.”

Magistrates sentenced Hardy to a 12 month community order with rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work. He must complete an alcohol and violence programme and pay £904 compensation.