A convict assaulted a press photographer outside court and threatened to smash his camera into his head just half an hour after being sentenced for drugs offences.
James Morris appeared before Newport Crown Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on South Wales Argus photographer Jon Bevan.
Jon was left with a fractured finger and had to undergo surgery after the attack which took place on 29 November last year/
The “repeated assault,” which was witnessed by then Argus reporter Emma Mackintosh, came after Morris received a suspended jail sentence, having previously admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class C drug and three other offences.
Morris arriving at court and (inset) Argus photographer Jon Bevan
The court heard how Morris, a 47-year-old BMW salesman from Ponthir, near Newport, had left the building and spotted Jon at the bottom of the steps.
Morris, pictured above outside court, made his way aggressively towards him, shouting to delete any photographs and swearing.
Prosecutor Julian Greenwood explained how Morris lunged at the camera, which was attached to Jon by a strap.
Morris yanked at it, pulling him to the ground saying if he didn’t delete the pictures he would smash it into his head.
Taking the camera, Morris returned to the court building leaving Jon shocked, before returning to demand that he took the digital card out.
Mr Greenwood said: “There is then physical confrontation outside of the court and it turned into a tug of war over
the camera as Mr Bevan tried to get it back.”
David Leathley, for Morris, described his client as foolish and reeling from the shame of his loss of reputation.
Morris was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for two years, was fined £1,000, and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to Mr Bevan and £1,000 prosecution costs.
He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and be under a three-month curfew, which means he must remain at his home address from 10pm to 6am.
A second charge of making a threat to kill Jon will remain on his file.
Judge William Gaskell said Morris acted like a brash bully towards a press photographer who was providing a public service.
After sentencing he added: “You’re very lucky not to have gone to prison today. You have had your chance but you won’t have another.”
Argus editor Kevin Ward said: “This was a traumatic and distressing incident for two Argus journalists going about their lawful business.
“Some people do not like the idea that a court appearance almost inevitably leads to publicity in the media.
“I hope this case sends a clear message that assaulting people doing their jobs is utterly unacceptable.
“This is a very rare incident, but we will not hesitate to report people to the police in similar circumstances.”
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6 months in jail would be more appropriate a sentence.
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I recall being sent by an evening paper to doorknock on a Saturday night after a dog attack.
Fended off a very angry man high on drugs and booze as young woman photographer fled to car, where I managed to join her. I suppose nowadays they would wait for a press release. Probably a better idea!
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for court snatches, some papers are ideally located. Always remember one particular paper’s technique. Baddies would hide faces from the photographer outside the court. Across the road, two floors up, they would already have been clocked by the video camera, from the comfort of the office.
As for door knocks, these days managers have to abide by a duty of care (this is a good thing). No one should be sent to knock on a door if there is a suspected chance of violence.
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Idle Rich. This was late 80s. Just did what you were told! Had a (cheap) camera grabbed and smashed once but thought it was just part of job and never thought of reporting it to cops. We did take chances then, no doubt.
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I was once sent to doorstep a man over a planning controversy. We were chatting quite amicably on the step for about five minutes when suddenly a China cup came flying down the stairs, narrowly missing my head. The wife then came rushing out swinging a broom and screamed at me to f*** off. The man, apologising profusely, said I had better go as he struggled to hold her back.
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No duty of care at our paper these days, the couple of remaining staffers are expected to get a shot somehow, no matter what the risk!
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Only about half a dozen attempts to take a Box Brownie off me in 20 years and none succeeded. Most of them were made by short – but overly aggressive guys – who didn’t seem to realise that you can’t get a camera off anyone who in defence grabs both sides of the straps around their neck or has two or so turns of it around their wrist.
Of course back in the day, a Nikon F3 Hi-point was mostly a solid block of brass whereas now the average Canon Eos (much as I favour them) is largely lightweight plastic…
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Yep, definately a BMW salesman.
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