Man kicked and punched unconscious after night out at bar

THE VICTIM CONTINUED TO BE BEATEN WHILE KNOCKED OUT AND SUFFERED A BLEED ON THE BRAIN, A COURT HEARD

- By PETER CRAIG

A MAN was punched and kicked unconscious after a taxi ride from a Barton pub to Winterton and continued to be beaten when unconscious, a court heard.

The victim had gone along with the taxi driver in order to ensure he got his fare from a well-known criminal who had been out drinking at The Wheatsheaf in Holydyke, Barton.

At Grimsby Crown Court, Ashley Harrison, 43, was absent from his sentencing hearing because he refused to leave his cell in prison, his defence barrister, Tim Savage said.

"He refused to leave his cell. I can’t offer an explanation other than he takes a relaxed view if he attends at court," the defence barrister said.