Two men jailed after man hospitalised following dispute over ASB motorbike riding

Two men pleaded guilty to ABH assault after attacking a man in his 60s when he challenged them about riding scrambler motorbikes antisocially around children.

On 20 June 2024 at around 16:00, Jamie Townsend, 36 of Thackhall Street in Coventry, and Thomas Black, 29 of Dark Lane in Bedworth, were riding scrambler-style motorbikes on Keresley Recreation Ground in Coventry.

The victim, who had been taking a walk with relatives including his granddaughter, had seen the two men and challenged them about riding the motorbikes recklessly, given that there were children present in the park.

Black and Townsend then rode off, and the victim continued towards a shop on Rathbone Close.

Later, at around 4:40pm outside the shop, Black and Townsend reappeared and confronted the victim, shouting at him before pinning him to the floor and assaulting him.

Black and Townsend then left the area, and the victim was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was treated for injuries to his head.

The two men were identified and arrested the following day.

Thomas Black and Jamie Townsend have both been sentenced to 657 days in prison for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Black will serve this sentence consecutively with another of four years, two months, and 11 days he has received for a burglary in Coventry.

Both are required to also pay a victim’s surcharge of £187.

They were sentenced in Warwick Crown Court on 9 December 2024.

DS Rich Walker said “Townsend and Black attacked a man who was concerned for the safety of children who could have been injured by their irresponsible use of motorbikes in a public park.

“In a better world, they could have taken a moment to consider how their actions could be putting their community at risk of harm and taken their bikes elsewhere.  

“Instead, they will spend the next 657 days behind bars, hopefully contemplating the different choices they could have made.”

If you see antisocial behaviour taking place near you, you can report it using our online reporting tool or by calling 101. If you think someone is at risk of harm, always call 999.