Man jailed for 2018 attack after missing trials
Northumbria PoliceA man who missed two trials has finally been jailed for repeatedly stamping on a "peacemaker" more than six years ago.
Sean Tait, who has a history of violence, attacked a man in Newcastle in July 2018 after the victim had tried to intervene in a confrontation, the city's crown court heard.
The case took so long to resolve because Tait, 36, failed to attend two trials, the court heard, and in the meantime the victim had died from an unrelated cause.
Tait, of Belgrave Park, Elswick, was jailed for five and a half years after being found guilty of wounding with intent.
'Disgraceful attack'
The victim, a man from South Shields, and a friend had been out drinking in Newcastle city centre when they encountered Tait and his associates in Bath Lane at about 23:00 BST on 12 July 2018, prosecutor Omar Ahmad said.
The victim tried to act as a "peacemaker" after Tait's group confronted his friend but then walked away, the court heard.
Instead of letting him go, Tait ran after him and knocked him to the ground, then repeatedly kicked and stamped on him with others joining in, the court heard.
The man was left with a broken nose and other injuries to his head and face, Mr Ahmad said.
Tait, who has previously been jailed for offences including robbery and wounding with intent, was due to stand trial in February 2020 and April 2023 but failed to appear on each occasion.
Judge Carolyn Scott said the attack was "disgraceful" and Tait had "buried his head in the sand" over the trials.