A MAN lost consciousness after being punched to the head and body by a thug who mistakenly thought his mobile phone had been stolen.

The victim, Michael Wise, was in Longtown’s Tavern pub, High Street, on May 22, 2021, with his girlfriend. During the evening they got into an argument which became “heated”, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

Two other men, Robert John Armstrong, aged 29, and Tyler Burns, 24, intervened and this prompted the rowing couple to leave the premises.

As they did so, it appeared Armstrong dropped his phone. This was picked up mistakenly by the woman, who believed it belonged to her partner.

The couple’s walk away from the pub took them across playing fields behind Lochnivar Close.

Jack Troup, prosecuting, told the court: “At this point Mr Armstrong and Mr Burns approached them, believing Mr Wise had taken Mr Armstrong’s phone. There was, in Mr Wise’s words, a ‘scuffle’ with all three men, and Mr Wise went to the floor.

“It appears Mr Armstrong then got on top of Mr Wise and began delivering a number of punches to Mr Wise’s head and body. During the course of the assault Mr Wise then lost consciousness.”

Armstrong and Burns left the scene when members of the public came to intervene. Police were called.

One PC who arrived just after 8pm, said Mr Troup, “noted that Mr Wise was still on the floor, was still unconscious and was being assisted by members of the public.” Mr Wise regained consciousness and was taken to hospital.

He had sustained a cut and a bump on his head, torn ligaments in his shoulder and suffered from lower back pain immediately after the incident.

Armstrong, of Crummock Street, Carlisle, admitted actual bodily harm assault on a formal basis deemed acceptable to the prosecution. Burns, of Lovers Lane, Longtown, admitted a lesser public order charge. Both were sentenced today (mon).

Kim Whittlestone, for Armstrong, said he was in full-time work, now spent the majority of his time at home and drank only on a limited basis. “He is a young man who behaved out of character on this occasion,” said Miss Whittlestone. She noted a probation officer had concluded any risk he posed could be addressed in the community.

Judith McCullough said of qualified car body repair specialist Burns: “He accepts he could and should have dealt with these events very different. These proceedings have been a salutary lesson for him.”

Judge Nicholas Barker gave Armstrong a two-year community order with rehabilitation and 200 hours’ unpaid work. He must also pay £500 compensation. Burns received a 12-month community order with 100 hours’ unpaid work.

“On May 22 you two behaved like a pair of thugs,” said Judge Barker. “You were no doubt fuelled by alcohol.”