Man jailed over 'sustained' street attack in Attleborough

Dillon Berry, 39, was driving along the High Street in Attleborough late at night when he pulled to a halt after his passenger told him a man they had driven past had said something towards him.

Norwich Crown Court heard Berry stopped in a side road before getting out of his vehicle and "knocking" or "tackling" the victim to the ground, before punching him and repeatedly kicking him.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Peter Gair, prosecuting, said Berry, together with his friend - who has not been prosecuted - attacked the man who was headbutted, punched and kicked as part of an episode of "sustained violence" which lasted several minutes.

He said both Berry and the victim walked away after the incident, which happened at about 11pm on October 9, 2022, close to the town's Sainsbury's store, as other members of the public walked past.

The attack happened near to Sainsbury's in the town (Image: Newsquest)Berry, of Honeysuckle Way, Attleborough, appeared at court on Wednesday after admitting affray.

Judge Katharine Moore said Berry was "immediately aggressive" when he confronted the victim who suffered "multiple strikes" after being "repeatedly punched and kicked" by the defendant and his friend.

Judge Katharine Moore (Image: Newsquest)Jailing Berry, who was tearful in the dock, for six months Judge Moore said: "When such violence is unleashed on a helpless person on the floor it's not good judgement that means serious injury is not suffered, it's luck.

"This could've been very different."

Ian  James, mitigating, said the incident was "inexcusable" and said it was "shameful and disgraceful" that it happened in a public place.

He said the only consolation was "both men walked away at the end of this" and no serious injury was caused.

Mr James said Berry was remorseful and "thoroughly ashamed" of himself.