Hungerford teen Nathan Uprichard could be jailed for brutal attack on ex girlfriend
A TEENAGER has been warned to prepare for a potential prison sentence for a brutal attack on an ex-girlfriend.
Nathan Uprichard knocked Madeleine Barnes to the ground and kicked her in the head so savagely she had no memory of events afterwards.
But CCTV captured the attack in daylight in front of horrified shoppers outside Tesco in London Road, Newbury.
In the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 3, was Nathan Uprichard.
Adam Yarr-Khan, prosecuting, said 19-year-old Uprichard, of Moores Place, Hungerford, had previously been in a relationship with Ms Barnes.
On the day in question, the court heard, they met by chance in Newbury and Uprichard threatened to assault her.
Later, they met again outside Tesco, and Mr Yarr-Khan added: “He pushes her to the floor then kicks her to the torso and to the head.
“Ms Barnes was unable to recall anything that happened for 20 minutes after that.”
However, CCTV footage of the apparently unprovoked assault was screened in court.
Having been arrested, Uprichard told police in interview that Ms Barnes had been shouting at him, which had made him “incredibly angry.”
Uprichard admitted assaulting Ms Barnes by beating her on Friday, March 15.
Mr Yarr-Khan indicated that the prosecution would be seeking a restraining order to protect Ms Barnes when the case concluded.
Mason Waker, defending, said his client largely accepted the prosecution version of events but disputed having threatened her before the assault happened.
He claimed Ms Barnes had annoyed Uprichard by calling him a “pussy”.
Mr Waker prepared to mitigate further on behalf of his client but he was stopped by district judge Davinder Sandhu, who said she would be adjourning for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
She told Uprichard: “That video shows absolutely appalling behaviour and I know your defence counsel will have explained to you that, having assaulted someone vulnerable on the ground, particularly involving kicks to the head, it’s very fortunate you’re not facing far more serious charges.
“I want the pre-sentence report (PSR) done on an ‘all options’ basis, having seen that video - so manage your expectations.
“Just because I’m adjourning for a PSR, don’t take that as an indication you’re getting a community order.
“But because you’ve never been to prison before I want these reports.”
Sentencing was scheduled for Thursday, November 21.
Uprichard was meanwhile released on bail with conditions.