11/03/2010

Man Jailed For Racist Attack

A drunken thug who left a man with a bleed on his brain after launching a racist attack on him in Oldham has been jailed.

Graham Paul Smith, 23, of Acre Lane, Oldham, admitted one count of racially aggravated Section 20 Assault (causing grievous bodily harm) and was jailed for 18-months at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday.

At about 11.50am on 31 October 2009, the victim, aged 53, was on Shrewsbury Street when Smith began verbally abusing him.

The victim confronted Smith, who punched him the face, causing him to fall to the floor.

The victim got up and was once again punched to the ground by Smith, who then made racist comments towards the victim.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to a bleed on his brain.

Detective Sergeant Ian Webb, of Oldham CID, said: "The fact Smith was drunk before midday and prepared to randomly launch tirades of verbal abuse against complete strangers tells you exactly what type of person he is.

"His level of aggression indicates he was clearly looking for a fight and his actions left his victim critically ill as a result.

"While he has made a remarkable recovery the consequences could have been far worse, even fatal."

(PR/NS)

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