A 71-year-old market trader suffered facial fractures after he was assaulted by a man in broad daylight following an argument over a phone charger.
The victim was working on his Hyson Green market stall, on Radford Road, Nottingham when he was approached by 41-year-old Tyrone Rowe, who asked to test a charger at a bookmaker across the road.
This led to an argument, with Rowe becoming agitated and aggressive before punching the trader in the face, causing him to stumble backwards.
People came to the victim’s aid and pushed Rowe away. He walked off but returned a short time later and punched the trader again in the face.
This time, the trader was knocked off his feet, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete.
A crowd of people surrounded the victim and again pushed Rowe away. Rowe then picked up his bike and rode off.
The trader was taken to hospital after the attack, which occurred around 11:45am on 19 June 2024.
He suffered fractures to both sides of his face, with his cheekbones and eye sockets shattered.
Inquiries were quickly carried out following the incident, and officers arrested Rowe later that day.
During his police interview, Rowe, of Southey Street, Radford, claimed he punched the victim in self-defence following the argument. However, the evidence in the case clearly showed that he was the aggressor.
Rowe was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to the offence of wounding without intent.
He was sentenced to three years in prison, with an extended licence period of two years, when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (6 December).
The court heard that the victim’s health had deteriorated since the assault and that he no longer felt able to work on his market stall.
Investigator Shreeia Patel, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“This was a despicable, unprovoked attack on a market trader which left him with serious facial injuries.
“I’m glad Rowe has now been held to account for his disgusting actions.
“Violence of this nature will not be tolerated on our streets, and we will continue to take robust action to ensure violent offenders like Rowe are put before the courts, so that justice can be sought for those they’ve harmed.”
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