Magistrates' Court: Thatcham man's suspended sentence for violence and knife crime

A MAN has received a suspended prison sentence for offences involving violence and carrying a knife in public.

Matthew Paul Hawkins appeared for sentencing at Slough Magistrates' Court in Berkshire on Friday, April 9.

The 33-year-old, of The Turnery, Thatcham, had previously admitted assaulting Jakob Jozwiakoski by beating him.

He had further admitted assaulting a police officer, Alisdair Ferrie, by beating him while he was exercising his duty.

In addition, Mr Hawkins had pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards Kim Dopson, Wayne Smith, Oliver Smith and Elijah Smith.

Finally, he admitted carrying a knife in public.

All the offences were committed in Thatcham on June 20 last year.

Mr Hawkins, who was legally represented by Steve Molloy at the hearing, was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He was told a custodial sentence, albeit suspended, was necessary because the offences were so serious in nature.

Mr Hawkins was also ordered to attend a course of treatment for alcoholism and to pay the officer he attacked £100 in compensation.

Finally, he was ordered to pay £85 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £85.

The court ordered the knife should be forfeited and destroyed.