Man sentenced to 12 months in prison on his birthday

A 46-year-old man who started his birthday in the dock at Northampton Crown Court, finished it back in prison after being sentenced for a serious assault in Corby.

Peter John McKay, of no fixed abode, was handed the 12-month sentence after admitting to breaking the jaw and three ribs of an acquaintance following a drinking session at the victim’s home.

On the evening of December 5, 2020, the pair were drinking in the company of others when a verbal argument broke out between McKay and the victim, after McKay took exception to being asked to leave the address in Hazelwood Road, Corby.

He punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall, before repeatedly kicking him to the chest. As a result of the sustained assault, the victim required surgery on a broken jaw.

McKay was arrested that night and following the subsequent investigation was sent a postal requisition informing him that he had been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

Due to the serious nature of the assault, magistrates sent McKay to the crown court for trial. However, at a subsequent hearing he pleaded guilty to the offence and on Thursday, August 3 was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable David Jones of the North LPA CID team said: “The victim in this case sustained serious injuries which required medical intervention, including surgery, due to the brutality of Peter McKay’s actions.

“I am pleased McKay pleaded guilty, preventing the victim having to go through a trial, and although the sentence will never make up for the trauma he has been through, I hope it will give him a sense of justice.”

Tackling serious violence is one of Northamptonshire Police’s four Matters of Priority. Launched by Chief Constable Nick Adderley last May, these also include drug harm, serious and organised crime, and violence against women and girls (VAWG). More details at www.northants.police.uk