Hartlepool man rode bike into 13-year-old boy at speed after alleged offensive name slur

Andrew Mason, 51, landed himself in court over deliberately crashing into the teenager after losing his temper.

He was found guilty of assault by beating of the child and criminal damage to the victim’s bike, valued at £290, following a trial at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on June 8.

Mason returned to the court to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 23.

The incident happened at about 3.30pm on September 15 last year.

The police report described how it followed an exchange between Mason and two youngsters at a play park in town.

Mason told police when interviewed that the children had been abusive towards him by swearing and calling him a “nonce”.

While riding his bike, Mason then crashed into one of them at speed, causing the 13-year-old boy to suffer bruising to his lower back.

Mason, of Browning Avenue, Hartlepool, also came off his bike, hurting himself, before getting up and leaving the area.

He later told police that he had been angered by what he said the children had called him.

The case was adjourned after the trial so a pre-sentence report could be prepared by the probation service.

After hearing mitigation on behalf of Mason, the magistrates court sentenced him to a community order for 12 months.

He will also have to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and pay £200 court costs plus £390 compensation for the assault and criminal damage.

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