Alcoholic attacks dad on Peafield Park in Mansfield Woodhouse

James Wilson, of Buttermere Court, Mansfield Woodhouse, pleaded guilty to common assault on a man who was playing football with his six-year old son in Peafield Park on August 7.

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard how Wilson, 39, had been following and shouting drunken abuse at two 12-year-old boys near the park and also attacked a 17-year-old before setting on the victim.

A witness told the police that when the victim had tried to walk away, Mr Wilson “threw his belongings to the floor and rugby tackled the man.”

He then headbutted, punched and bit the victims face and neck, before attempting to claw at his eyes - leaving him with marks and bruises on his face and body.

The victim’s chain was snapped and his wedding ring was scuffed as a result of the attack.

The nearby teenagers apparently heard Wilson shouting “if I see you again, I will kill you”.

Prosecuting, Marjorie Kirkham-Smith, said that the victim has tried to defend himself and shouted to his son to fetch his wife.

But the dad was more concerned that his child had seen the incident.

He told the police: “I’m devastated that my six-year-old son had to witness his dad being attacked whilst playing football in the park.”

They had been playing football when he saw Wilson swearing and following the 17-year-old.

The boy told the police: “I was scared when I realised he was following me as I didn’t know what he would do to me.”

Wilson pleaded guilty to assaulting the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

He took a punch to the chest and “just stood in shock”.

Defending, Donna Pursglove, said that Wilson was “so drunk that he can’t remember what happened”.

She said: “He’s an alcoholic and can’t remember anything.

“His recollection of the whole incident is a complete blank.

“But he accepts what happened.”

Miss Pursglove added he now can’t face going into the park.

Wilson, who is unemployed due to his alcoholism, shouted up in court.

He said: “I just want to say I deserve everything I get.”

He has been released on conditional bail and will be back in court on September 23.