A JUDGE was left without a “satisfactory” explanation for the “inordinate” delay in a man being brought before the courts for an assault which left a woman with broken leg.

Neal David Pickering committed the assault on Marion Proudley at Costa Coffee in Kinson in September 2021.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard Pickering was not charged for 15 months, with the 55-year-old not appearing in court until January of this year.

Sentencing judge Recorder Geraint Jones said the defendant had to deal with the matter hanging over him for some time through no fault of his own.

The bulk of evidence in the case, including CCTV which was played in court, was gathered within a matter of weeks, the hearing was told.

When asked if he could explain the delay, prosecuting Tom Wright said he had received a lengthy statement from the officer in the case.

Mr Wright said it referenced “extraordinary pressures” in terms of the number of incidents they were dealing with.

Bournemouth Echo:

The court heard officers were having to manage 28 cases at once including a number of grave matters, however, Mr Wright acknowledged it was unclear why the case against Pickering was not sent to the Crown Prosecution Service once evidence had been obtained to “get it off their desks”.

Pickering, of Draycott Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to a single charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and he was sentenced at the crown court on March 2.

Mr Wright said the incident revolved around a “neighbour dispute or falling out between friends”.

There had been an argument, which involved the defendant’s partner, her mother and two friends, on September 3, 2021.

Pickering, who had not been present when this initial interaction took place, later became involved. He was described as being aggressive towards Ms Proudley and taking the side of his partner.

The court heard Ms Proudley and her friend went into Costa Coffee in Wimborne Road.

CCTV showed the defendant also enter and from behind he grabbed the handle of her bag, which was over her shoulder, causing her to fall to the ground.

Mr Wright said it was accepted Pickering did not intend to injure the complainant.

Recorder Jones said a serious mitigating factor in the case was the “inordinate delay in bringing the charge and it coming before the court”.

He said the court had not been given a reasonable and proper explanation for this delay, adding this was not prosecutor Mr Wright’s fault.

Pickering received an 18-month community order, with a requirement to carry out 30 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation.

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