The victim fell to the ground and suffered injuries
An aggressive young troublemaker angrily hurled a brick at a worried member of the public who intervened after spotting him seemingly about to attack a woman during a bad-tempered argument in the street. The brick – thrown from close range – hit the passer-by on the head, causing him to fall to the ground injured, Hull Crown Court heard.
Macauley Leech, 20, formerly of High Street, Bridlington, but recently in custody on remand, admitted assaulting the man, causing actual bodily harm, in Goole on June 13, 2024. He also admitted the intentional strangulation of his girlfriend and causing criminal damage to her mobile phone on May 31, 2025.
Ben Weeks, prosecuting, said that a man was in Western Road, Goole, when he saw Leech approaching a woman aggressively during a confrontation between them. The man asked Leech: “What sort of a man are you that assaults a woman?”
Leech turned his aggression towards the man and warned him: “F*** off or I’ll brick your car.” He grabbed a brick and walked towards the man with the brick in his hand.
From 5ft or 6ft away, Leech threw the brick towards the man’s head, hitting the side of his head. “He fell to the floor on his right-hand side,” said Mr Weeks. The man landed on his right elbow and his hip hit the ground.
He suffered injuries to his shoulder, hip and leg. He later said: “I was shaken up after the incident and thought of what could have happened if the brick had hit me full in the face.”
The other separate offences happened in Bridlington after Leech and a woman were in a relationship but it became turbulent. They were arguing over what Leech believed was interference in the relationship by a friend of the woman.
During the argument, Leech became angry that she was on the phone to the friend. He grabbed hold of the woman’s throat, leaving her “coughing and spluttering” when he exerted pressure for a short time.
“The defendant realised what he had done and came to his senses,” said Mr Weeks. Leech took the phone from her and snapped it in half, making it unusable.
He left the house to allow his emotions to calm down. He regretted his behaviour and surrendered himself voluntarily to the police. He had no previous convictions but he had a caution in January 2024 for assault causing actual bodily harm.
Graham Parkin, mitigating, said that Leech made immediate admissions and telephoned the police. “He rang the police but nobody was available to deal with him,” said Mr Parkin.
Leech told the police in reply: “I will just sit on the wall then” – and he remained near Bridlington police station. “He waited for some time for someone to come along,” said Mr Parkin.
“He regrets his behaviour. He acted impulsively. He needs help and assistance. He intends to go and live with close family in Rotherham.”
Leech was originally on bail but he had been in custody on remand since August 27. He was sent to a young offenders’ institution for 50 weeks.