Roofing contractor who beat up grandfather walks free

A roofing contractor who beat up a 62-year-old grandfather in a row over a parking space has walked free following a trial in York.

34-year-old Alan Dundas repeatedly punched the defenceless Ian Wood in front of his wife and grandchildren leaving him with a fractured cheekbone after the assault in Towton, Yorkshire.

Wood, who was with his wife and grandchildren at the time of the incident, condemned the decision by Judge Stephen Ashurst not to jail Dundas, who has previous convictions for violence. Wood said the assault had "ruined his life" and that he was still suffering pain from his injuries six months later.

York Crown Court heard that Wood had parked his van outside his daughter-in-law's home. Half an hour later, he answered the door to Dundas and another man.

Wood said, "Dundas was aggressive, hurling abuse at me. I stepped outside and he said 'Move your f***ing van now'.

"His eyes were bulging, his face was crimson, he was in a rage. Then he started raining blows on me."

After the attack Wood needed surgery on four fractures.

However, Judge Ashurst decided not to send Dundas to prison, instead imposing a 12-month sentence suspended for two years with 200 hours of community service after he heard the roofing contractor's family would be badly affected should he be jailed.

Dundas was also ordered to pay £2,500 compensation to his victim.