York man sentenced after “vicious" assault in city centre
The incident happened during the early hours of Sunday 20 November 2022
Police in York have confirmed a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for "viciously assaulting a man" in the city centre.
Alex Newsome pleaded guilty to Section 20 assault, unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm, after the incident on the 20 November 2022.
Police say the victim, a local man in his early 30s, was walking home from a night out when Newsome chased him from High Petergate down onto Exhibition Square, before punching him repeatedly to his face causing him to fall to the floor.
Newsome then beat the victim by punching and kicking him to the face, chest, and arm.
The attack left the victim with serious injuries - four fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a laceration to his eye lid, and severe bruising to his face, chest, and arm.
The force confirmed Newsome and the victim did not know one another.
He was sentenced at York Crown Court today (Thursday 25 September 2025) and was ordered to pay a surcharge of £187.
"forever stay with me"
The following is an extract from the victim's personal statement that was read out in court by the prosecuting solicitor:
"I still get pain from this attack today and some days can be worse than others. I was so lucky I did not die.
"This attack will forever stay with me, and I will never get over the flashbacks of events, the pain I endured, the colour of my skin from the bruising, and the endless hours of recovery time which I will never get back.
"I am now always looking over my shoulder when I am out and about in confined areas or if I hear someone close behind me."
Detective Constable Jenna Hallewell, who led the investigation, said: "The vicious and unprovoked assault Newsome inflicted upon the victim has greatly affected his life since the attack. His confidence has been shattered, and he now struggles to go out in the city centre with his friends.
"I have nothing but praise for the victim’s bravery throughout this case. I hope the outcome at court provides him with some closure and it is a positive step as he continues to rebuild his life.”