ELLESMERE, UNITED KINGDOM – A 23-year-old man from Brownlow Street in Ellesmere, Jude Roberts, received a 12-month community order and 110 hours of unpaid work from Judge Peter Barrie on Wednesday, July 10. The sentencing follows an incident in March 2021 involving Roberts, Brandon Black, who has since passed away, and Isabel Wellings.
The court heard that in March 2021, a confrontation occurred between Brandon Black and Jude Roberts, along with another individual named Owen Batha. The altercation escalated, resulting in Roberts kicking and stamping on Mr. Black’s face, while Batha struck Miss Wellings in the stomach. Although Mr. Black sustained only superficial injuries, his subsequent passing was not related to the incident.
During the sentencing, prosecutor Phillip Beardwell revealed a victim impact statement from Miss Wellings, detailing the fear she experienced following the attack. Judge Barrie addressed the seriousness of the violent incident, emphasizing the lack of justification for the assault on Mr. Black and Miss Wellings.
In response to the defense’s argument that Roberts had shown maturity and made positive changes since the offense in 2021, Judge Barrie acknowledged the defendant’s efforts to improve himself. Roberts’ remorse and improved behavior were taken into consideration during sentencing, resulting in a high-level community order without the need for rehabilitation activity.
Judge Barrie cautioned Roberts about the seriousness of his past actions and the need for accountability, despite the positive changes he had made since the incident. As Roberts continues to work on a family farm and display signs of growth and maturity, the judge emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing the violent assault that occurred in 2021.