Man jailed for Great Yarmouth assault

A 21-year-old man from Somerset has been jailed for more than three years following an assault in Great Yarmouth in September 2022.

Ethan Thaine, of Cheedon Road, Taunton, Somerset appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday 16 February 2024), after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at an earlier hearing.

 

 

Police were called to Wellesley Road in Great Yarmouth just after 11pm on Saturday 10 September 2022, following a report of an assault. When officers arrived they found a 55-year-old man with serious facial injuries.

Officers spoke with witnesses at the scene and located key video evidence that helped them piece together what had happened before they arrived on the scene.

Ethan Thaine had been on holiday in Great Yarmouth with his partner when they got into an argument on the street outside the hotel following a night out, which was overheard by the victim. 

When the victim tried to intervene, Thaine punched him in the head four times, knocking him to the ground. When the victim was on the ground Thaine kicked him in the head, causing the victim to lose consciousness. When the victim was unconscious on the floor Thaine then kicked him in the head at least 13 more times.

The victim was treated at the scene by the east of England ambulance service and he was taken to the James Paget University hospital for treatment. He suffered a serious injury to his right eye, eight fractures to his face, nerve damage and facial disfigurement.

Thaine was arrested at the scene and taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He declined to give an account during his interview and he was released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Thaine was subsequently charged to appear at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court. The case was sent to Norwich Crown Court where Thaine pleaded guilty.

Thaine was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The victim has made a positive recovery but is still suffering the physical and physiological effects of the assault.

Following the sentencing hearing Sergeant Steven Lee said “This was a horrific incident and we are pleased that Thaine has been given a lengthy custodial sentence. The assault was unprovoked and one of the worst acts of violence I’ve seen in 14 years of policing. Kicking another person in the head whilst they are unconscious on the ground is cowardly and completely unacceptable.”

“I would like to thank the victim and the witnesses for the way they have supported our investigation and provided key evidence to help us get Thaine convicted. We would not have been able to get this result without their help. This result would also not have been possible without the hard work of the officer in charge of the case, who carried out a diligent and methodical investigation, as well as the officers who responded to the incident on the night.”

“This sentence shows that acts of violence such as this will not be tolerated and we will do everything we can to convict those responsible”