By John Connell

Last updated at 15:00, Friday, 24 August 2012

A thug who kicked his father’s head “like a football” as he lay unconscious on the ground has been jailed for three years.

Matthew Kerr, of Brampton: Jailed for three years after he admitted grievous bodily harm with intent

Carlisle Crown Court was shown footage of Matthew Kerr, 22, punching his father to the ground outside a city bar before kicking him three times in the head with such force that his whole body moved.

Such was the ferocity of the attack that 57-year-old Syndey Kerr remained in the Cumberland Infirmary for two days.

It was feared at the time that he might have a bleed on the brain, although he suffered no long-term consequences.

The shocking onslaught, outside Gallagher’s Irish Bar on Botchergate, took place in daylight moments after Kerr had snatched money from his father which he claimed was owed to him.

The attack had been witnessed by two off-duty police officers and Kerr, of Stanley Road, Brampton, was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent – a charge he admitted.

Interviewed by police, he had said: “I hope he dies” and “I just floored him. I think he deserved it. I still do.”

Kerr also claimed that his father had been “winding him up” inside the pub and had refused to give him money that was owed to him.

The court heard that the two men, both of whom have alcohol problems, had been drinking together when the argument started.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, said there had been some “pushing and shoving” inside the pub which had then spilled out into the street.

He said that Kerr had an “eclectic taste in violence” and that his previous convictions included violence against both men and women.

The court heard that his former victims included his girlfriend, police officers, a publican and a man on crutches at whom he had thrown a pint glass.

Mr Evans added that he had used weapons including bottles and knuckledusters.

David Birrell, defending, accepted that personal mitigation would count for “very little”.

But he said that his client had grown up witnessing regular violence by his father against his mother and that the pair had a “strained relationship”.

Summing up, Judge Paul Batty QC said: “This is a truly shocking case. Anyone who viewed the CCTV footage of what you did to your father would be bound to be sickened by the level of violence.”

He added: “You delivered three full kicks to his head as he lies on the ground unconscious with such force that his head rocks back. It looks as though his head is a football.

“You should be facing a much more serious charge than the one CPS have, in their wisdom, given to you.”

Judge Batty also requested a full written explanation as to why Kerr had been given an “inadequate charge” of grievous bodily harm which “severely restricted” the sentencing powers available. Had Kerr been charged “more appropriately” the sentence would have been a great deal longer.

First published at 14:12, Friday, 24 August 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk