Father Sentenced to Prison for Violent Supermarket Assault on RAF Serviceman
A father has been jailed for 52 months after launching a brutal attack on an RAF serviceman in a Morrisons supermarket, leaving the victim with life-altering injuries including a fractured eye socket and a bleed on the brain.
Shocking Details of the 'Explosion of Violence'
Ryan Linyard, 31, of no fixed abode, admitted to causing grievous bodily harm with intent during the incident at the Morrisons store in Milehouse, Staffordshire, on December 13. The court heard how the confrontation began when Linyard and a friend threw boxes of sweets into the victim's shopping trolley around 9pm.
After the victim returned the sweets and continued shopping, the pair followed him toward the exit. Prosecutor David Farley stated that when the victim believed he was about to be attacked and threw a single punch at Linyard's face, it was met with extreme violence.
Graphic Description of the Assault
Recorder Robert Smith described watching CCTV footage of the attack as sickening. Linyard delivered a powerful full-force blow to the victim's head, then took a couple of steps back before kicking him again in what the judge compared to watching someone take a penalty kick on someone's head.
The victim was left unconscious on the supermarket floor with multiple serious injuries:
- Fractured eye socket requiring a metal plate
- Fractured nose
- Bleed on the brain requiring surgery
- Cuts and bruises to the head
Impact on the Victim's Life
In a statement read to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the RAF serviceman described ongoing difficulties with eating and blurred vision following the attack. He was unable to see his family during Christmas due to being prohibited from driving because of his impaired vision.
The court heard that the victim has lost confidence and that his career with the RAF may be permanently affected by the injuries sustained during the assault.
Arrest and Defense Arguments
Police arrested Linyard two days after the incident, finding him holding a can of beer in one hand and the collar of a Rottweiler in the other. He was described as belligerent and later assaulted two officers after being PAVA-sprayed during the arrest.
Defense attorney Matthew Ness argued that Linyard was genuinely sorry and ashamed of his actions, stating that the violence was out of character. He explained that Linyard had been suffering from severe anxiety and paranoia, exacerbated by medication, and had only recently returned to drinking alcohol after two months of abstinence.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Recorder Smith emphasized during sentencing that Linyard could have simply walked away from the initial confrontation. Instead, he engaged in what the judge called absolutely despicable behaviour that carried a potential life sentence.
The judge noted that Linyard attempted to disguise his appearance by pulling his hood up after leaving the supermarket, but his face remained visible on CCTV footage. Linyard must serve two-thirds of his 52-month sentence before being eligible for release.
