After the court learned of the mental health difficulties of two men accused of assault, they were seen rejoicing outside the courtroom and yelling, “Get In!”
After a confrontation at a bus station at 4 a.m. that was caused by alcohol, best friends James Robson, 26, and Liam Roof, 25, could have spent up to three years in prison.
Both men had a violent past, and father-of-one Robson showed up to court intoxicated, but they were released with suspended sentences after making the claim that they had been depressed.
After the hearing, the two who confessed to the altercation rushed out of the building and performed an exuberant goal-like celebration in the street while amused onlookers watched.
After crying earlier in the dock, Robson threw his overnight bags on the ground and started dancing around the Minshull Street Crown Court concourse in Manchester. Roof followed, his arms up and trying to embrace his pal.
On March 2, 2022, at the bus stop next to Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two, Robson and Roof got into a confrontation with the other guy.
The gang was initially dancing, drinking, and shadow boxing until violence broke out amongst them.
David Kalka was being floored by Roof and Robson when the victim began to back away, as shown on surveillance footage.
Then, as Robson was punching the victim 16 times in the head, Roof kicked and stomped on the victim 12 times.
‘When police came, they discovered no sign of the people, but after watching the video, they were able to see two men nearby who fit the description,’ said prosecutor Saul Brody.
At that point, Roof approached the officers in a combative way and waved his hands in the air. Robson was spotted with blood on his hands while trying to calm down his pal.
“I wanted to stand up for myself today because I had been bullied my whole life,” Robson said to the police, adding, “I also supported my closest friend since he had been assaulted, so I struck the guy a couple times.”
Mr. Kalka was subsequently detained and discovered to have minor facial bruises. He did not assist the authorities, however, and he also declined medical care.
The CCTV footage, Mr. Brody added, “showed the three squaring off in a standoff, followed by Robson and Kalka fighting.” When Robson pursued Kalka into the terminal depot while he was kicking out at Roof, Kalka was knocked to the ground. Once he was on the ground, Robson used his right hand to punch him 16 times while Roof kicked him 12 times.
A few people who were there at the time were mostly witnesses who were leaving the terminal and waiting at the bus depot in the early morning. The two refused to answer when subsequently questioned in an interview.
In comparison to Roof of Cheadle, Robson, of Stockport, had seven prior offenses on his record.
The two were both intoxicated and rowdy when they committed a public order offense at the Parrswood bowling facility in Didsbury in August 2022.
Robson, who was swaying in the dock and asking questions frequently during the trial, was told categorically “no” by the judge.
Mr. Robson has apologized to me and the court for showing up like this today, but he is completely afraid of going to jail, according to his attorney Alistair Reid, who made the following statement in mitigation. He admits that he was intoxicated when the offense was committed.
The three males were originally interacting amicably and in high spirits until events changed. The victim started physically provoking Robson. Robson didn’t back down after the third provocation. “This time, I stood up for myself,” he stated.
Following the event, there were a few verbal exchanges, but the two parties soon parted ways and went away. The individual in question has to mature and give up drinking. He had previously made significant progress during his prior 10 weeks of sobriety. His 18-month-old kid, the pride of his life, looks up to him, and he wants to continue to set an example for him.
He worries about the consequences of being imprisoned and about missing out on his son’s formative years. He is well enough to work but struggles with sadness and anxiety; he needs assistance to organize his life.
According to Stuart Neale, Roof “has made many attempts to end his life and has battled depression since August 2021.”
He is aware that his being here is due to his own fault alone. He needs assistance with a carrot and a stick incentive. He needs advice and encouragement, and he must leave this behind.
The battle fluctuates, but although being brief, it was maintained.
Both individuals received eight-month prison terms that were suspended for 18 months. They were also had to wear an alcohol abstinence monitoring tag for six months, which informs probation when the wearer drinks. Roof was also required to do a 12-month training on thinking techniques.
Robson apologized to both his kid and himself before walking away from the pier. I appreciate it, your honor. Don’t thank me, the judge, Mr. Recorder Michael Blakey, answered.
If your behavior doesn’t improve, both of you will go to jail as a result, the court told the two men.
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