A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after a brutal attack along a canal towpath in Wolverhampton. Aaron Lloyd pushed a man he had only recently met during drinking into a canal before launching a sustained and violent assault, repeatedly punching and kicking his victim.
The incident took place on 31 August 2023, when Lloyd, while accompanied by his sister, began shouting at the man and then pushed him into the canal. After the victim climbed out, Lloyd assaulted him again, kicking and punching him so severely that the man fell back into the water. Despite losing consciousness, the victim was subjected to further blows.
Witnesses, observing the incident from a nearby rear window, estimated that Lloyd struck the man between 15 and 20 times and were concerned the victim might be killed. Lloyd’s sister was seen attempting to intervene and stop the attack. The victim required hospital treatment for serious injuries, including lasting damage to his right eye, resulting in five operations and permanent impairment.
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Following the assault, Lloyd attempted to evade arrest by hiding in a bush but was apprehended by police. During the court proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Lloyd pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, receiving a ten percent reduction in sentence as a result.
The judge noted the severity of the attack, highlighting the brutality of the assault on the canal towpath, the victim’s serious head and eye injuries, and the fact that the assault continued despite the victim losing consciousness. Lloyd was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge. Despite his aggressive actions, his defence highlighted his remorse and lack of previous violent convictions, though acknowledging a poor character record.
The victim shared a statement explaining the lasting impact of the attack on his vision and confidence, revealing he was not eligible for compensation. This violent episode has had a profound effect on his life, underscoring the serious consequences of the assault.