A builder has avoided an immediate jail sentence after striking a site manager with a spade because the victim reported him for not working. Jason Whiley, 31, was working on a pile driving operation at Liverpool Ramblers AFC in August 2023 when he sat in his van for an hour before driving off. Site manager Amir Hussain reported the incident to Whiley's employer, CC Geotechnical Ltd.
Confrontation and Attack
Whiley and a co-worker returned to the site and confronted Mr Hussain, accusing him of "grassing them up." During the argument, Whiley hurled racial abuse and armed himself with a metal spade, striking Mr Hussain on the left side of his head. The blow knocked Mr Hussain unconscious, and he required eight stitches for a laceration to his left ear at Aintree Hospital.
Legal Proceedings
Whiley, of Spinney View in Kirkby, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding on April 13, the day his trial was due to begin. Prosecutor Alaric Walmsley detailed how Mr Hussain had reported concerns about employees leaving early and sleeping in their van. Whiley fled the scene with the spade and was later found on Moor Lane. He had previous convictions for possession of a bladed article, criminal damage, and drug driving.
Defense lawyer Andrew McInnes described Whiley as a "family man" supporting two children, one with additional needs, and noted he had not committed further offenses in three years. However, Judge Andrew Menary criticized Whiley's lack of responsibility, stating he had "come perilously close" to immediate custody.
Whiley received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must complete 20 rehabilitation days, 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay £1,000 compensation to Mr Hussain. A restraining order prohibits him from contacting the victim for two years.
