Ilfracombe, England — Two men have been sentenced to prison after admitting to a savage assault on a third man, whom they falsely accused of stealing a wallet. The brutal attack occurred last November and has drawn attention to the dangers of alcohol-fueled violence.
Brandon Cooney, 25, and Wade Van Straaten, 28, both pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Exeter Crown Court. The judge sentenced the pair to 16 months in jail for their roles in the attack, which left the victim unconscious on a busy street.
The incident took place at the Snug and Hyde pub, where the victim had been socializing with the defendants. After leaving the pub together around 11 p.m. to continue drinking at Cooney’s home, the three men spent several hours in each other’s company. However, the mood soured after midnight when Cooney and Van Straaten accused the victim of stealing Cooney’s wallet while walking along High Street in Ilfracombe.
Witnesses reported that the two men escalated the situation violently. They punched and kicked the victim multiple times, leaving him unable to defend himself. After the initial assault, Cooney and Van Straaten propped the victim against a bus stop and lingered nearby for several minutes before leaving him behind.
The victim attempted to stand and fend off further attacks but was overpowered once again as Cooney and Van Straaten continued their assault. Eventually, the duo left the scene, prompting a passerby to call for emergency assistance. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Detective Constable Sam Jones of North Devon CID condemned the violent behavior, emphasizing the severe impact it had on the victim. He noted how alcohol played a significant role in escalating tensions among the parties involved, calling it a “dangerous interplay” that often leads to aggression.
The court’s decision to impose a longer sentence reflects a commitment to reducing such violence in the community. Det. Con. Jones expressed gratitude for the swift response from local law enforcement and the vital support from witnesses and nearby establishments during the investigation. He hopes the case will serve as a warning against similar acts of violence and encourage witnesses to come forward in the future.