Brutal attack thug jailed
A Rugeley thug who beat a canal boat man black and blue while demanding money is today starting a five-year jail term.
George Cox was attacked on his boat which was moored on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Rugeley in October, Stafford Crown Court heard.
Mr Cox, aged 57, said in a statement read to the court that as a result of the beating he spent 12 days in hospital and has been affected both physically and emotionally.
"I no longer feel safe living on the waterways," he adds. "I am still coming to terms with the incident and my life is far less enjoyable since."
Judge Mark Eades told attacker Darron Booth: "This is quite a shocking offence. A man on his boat, which is his home, on the canal and you and three others get on board.
"Initially nothing untoward happens and you leave, but you go back and subject him, on his own boat, in his own home, to a horrific assault.
"You pursued it with venom and vigour and you beat him black and blue. You must understand that people in the sanctity of their own home expect that sanctity to be respected, if it is not the courts will take action."
Booth, aged 22, of Church Street, had admitted assaulting Mr Cox with intent to rob him on October 2.
Mr Nick Burn, prosecuting, said at about 7pm there was a banging on the side of the boat.
Booth, another male and two females asked for a cigarette and left. Seconds later Booth returned and launched into him, punching and kicking, saying "give us your money."
Mr Cox heard someone screaming at Booth to stop. Mr Burn said: "It was a very severe beating and he was bleeding from his nose and ears."
Mr David Iles, for Booth, said he had now changed his lifestyle.
