Barmaid, 38, and her landlord, 36, are spared jail after launching a shocking ‘vigilante’ attack on a drinker they suspected of stealing a charity box
- Ria Anthony and Philip-Lee Kinsey thought John Matthews stole from charity box
- Mr Matthews was held while Kinsey punches and kicks before Anthony joined in
- Anthony, 38, and Kinsey, 36, both pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm
- They were handed 14-month suspended sentences at Cardiff Crown Court
Ria Anthony, pictured outside Cardiff Crown Court, punched and kicked her former boyfriend John Matthews
A barmaid and landlord who launched a ‘vigilante’ attack on a drinker they suspected of stealing from a charity box have walked free from court with suspended sentences.
Ria Anthony, 38, punched and kicked her former boyfriend John Matthews after he was grabbed and held by two other customers at The Lounge in Bridgend, south Wales.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Anthony and landlord Philip-Lee Kinsey, 36, believed Mr Matthews had stolen from a tip jar and charity box.
Kinsey persuaded Mr Matthews to stay at the pub with the promise of a free drink, but he and barmaid Antony then brutally assaulted Mr Matthews while two other customers held his arms, the court was told.
The incident came to light when CCTV footage was sent to the police. The video showed Mr Matthews being held while Kinsey attacks him with a flurry of punches and kicks before Anthony joined in throwing punches at his head.
Anthony and Kinsey pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and were each handed 14-month suspended sentences.
Andrew Kendall, prosecuting, had said: ‘During her interview Anthony said Mr Matthews had taken a tip jar and a charity box from behind the bar
‘She said Mr Matthews had said something to her to make her angry to which she reacted.
The incident came to light when CCTV footage was sent to the police. The video showed Mr Matthews being held while Kinsey attacks him with a flurry of punches and kicks before Anthony joined in throwing punches at his head
‘She admitted that she let her emotions get the better of her.’
Ruth Smith, defending Anthony, said: ‘Mr Matthews was a former partner of Anthony.
‘The victim came back into her life causing problems for her by stealing from the very pub where she was working.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Anthony and landlord Philip-Lee Kinsey (pictured), 36, believed Mr Matthews had stolen from a tip jar and charity box
‘There came a time when the victim started shouting at her, calling her a sl**.’
Judge Nicola Jones said: ‘The footage clearly shows a group attack on a man who is defenceless.
‘There was a sustained assault. This was a planned attack.
‘Anthony, you brought him back there and joined in the attack, ferociously punching his head.’
Anthony was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work while Kinsey was ordered to complete 150 hours and ordered to pay £480 costs.
Jeff Mark of the CPS said: ‘Rather than reporting their concerns to the police, the defendants took the law into their own hands, carrying out a cowardly attack on a person unable to protect themselves.
‘Vigilante violence is not acceptable and those who try to by-pass the proper justice system are likely to find themselves before the Court facing criminal charges.’