UPDATE: A Middlesbrough man has been handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence after violently kicking his best friend, resulting in a serious head injury. The incident unfolded on June 27, 2024, during a night of heavy drinking, just as the defendant, Kyle Clark, was celebrating his recent release from prison.
Teesside Crown Court heard that Clark, aged 22, and his friend were out with others when the situation escalated. Prosecutor Anthony Pettengell revealed that after a night of excessive drinking, the two friends ended up at the Swatters Carr pub. The next morning, the victim woke up in James Cook Hospital with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.
CCTV footage captured the moments leading to the violent act. The victim was seen throwing punches at Clark, but after falling to the ground, Clark responded by kicking him in the head. The attack left the victim with a depressed skull fracture, for which he needed emergency treatment.
In a shocking twist, Clark recorded a TikTok video during the incident, captioned: “When you put your best pal to sleep.” This evidence played a crucial role in the court proceedings. Clark later expressed remorse, stating he never intended for things to escalate.
The victim, who was working in London and could not attend the hearing, provided a victim statement saying he felt he had “lost his best friend.” Judge Jeremy Hill-Baker highlighted the severity of Clark’s actions, noting that he could have faced more serious charges, such as manslaughter. Fortunately, the victim has made a full recovery.
Clark’s defense attorney, Imogen Eastham-Brown, argued for leniency, emphasizing that both men were intoxicated and did not want the night to end. The judge noted that despite the gravity of the situation, the victim’s forgiving attitude indicated the strength of their friendship.
As part of his sentence, Clark is required to attend 20 rehabilitation days and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also abstain from alcohol for the next 120 days, monitored through an alcohol abstinence program. Additionally, he is ordered to pay his victim £500 in compensation, though the judge stressed that this amount does not reflect the full extent of the victim’s injuries.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of excessive drinking and the potential for violence, even among friends. For ongoing updates on this developing story and more news from Teesside, subscribe to our free newsletter.
