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Wolverhampton riot ringleader is spared prison after violent attack

A ringleader jailed for his part in the Wolverhampton riots has been spared another stint behind bars after an unprovoked attack – because magistrates said he was changing his ways.

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Dwaine Spence, aged 26, was still on licence after being released from jail when he hit Abishek Dicholkar 'square on the nose' and then swung at him again seconds later.

The 26-year-old, of St George's Hostel in the city centre, was jailed for 33 months in August 2011 for his part in the city riots.

He led a gang of up to 40 through the streets and hurled a 3ft plank of wood at a police car near to the Asda store near the Molineux.

He was released from prison last August after serving less than half his sentence and went onto target Mr Dicholkar on April 13, the city's magistrates court heard.

The victim, originally from India, had been to the Walkabout bar in Queen Street with friends when he walked past Spence, who was with two women in Market Street at about 3am.

Spence, who had been drinking, started shouting abuse at Mr Dicholkar and, despite the women trying to hold him back, hit him in the face.

A statement from his victim was read to the court which said: "I felt intense pain in my face. I was in shock.

"I stepped into the road but I saw him come towards me again and swing a punch but I was dazed and I did not know if he hit me."

Despite leaving his victim shaken and bruised in the unprovoked attack, magistrates said Spence was 'making progress'.

Chairman of magistrates Mrs Kathryn Yarsley said positive reports from staff at the hostel where he lives, which specialises in working with ex-offenders, had persuaded them to spare him jail.

He was instead given a six-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Mrs Yarsley added: "We were sending you to custody, but then we heard about the good things the staff had to say and the progress made."

Spence had originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault by beating on Mr Dicholkar but on the day of his trial changed his plea to guilty.

Mr Sundip Murria, defending, said Spence wrongly believed the victim had made comments towards his friends and the attacker 'misread the situation'. He added:?"He should never have done this."

Spence must also pay £400 compensation and an £80 victim surcharge.

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