Detectives in Scarborough have secured justice for a 20-year-old victim who was knocked to the floor and repeatedly kicked before having his head stamped on while laid unconscious.
The violent incident happened on Aberdeen Walk - near the old job centre building - at around 10.45pm on Sunday 7 September this year.
The victim was set upon by Jack David Anthony Merry (pictured), 25, of Union Street, as he walked along Aberdeen Walk with friends.
Merry was riding past on a bike and confronted the victim and proceeded to chase him before he fell to the floor.
It was at this point Merry aimed several kicks and punches at the prone victim before delivering a stamp to the victim’s head as he laid already unconscious.
Part of the incident was captured by members of the public on their mobile phones, which quickly led to Merry being identified as responsible for the attack.
Merry was arrested the following day and subsequently charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, and intimidating a witness.
Witnesses described the assault as “sickening” and one who went to assist the victim stated they thought he might be dead.
Remarkably, the victim escaped with no serious or long-term injury.
When he appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on 9 September, Merry was remanded in custody and then agreed to plead guilty to attempted Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent on 3 November.
Yesterday (Thursday 4 December 2025) at York Crown Court, Merry was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment.
Following an application by North Yorkshire Police, he was also made subject to a restraining order to protect the victim.
Detective Constable Darrel Temple, from Scarborough CID, said:
“This was a vicious attack that could have easily resulted in a fatality.
“It caused a great deal of trauma for the victim, who was extremely lucky to escape with relatively minor injuries despite the intent of Merry.
“The severity of the assault shocked witnesses, with several people prepared to provide statements to the police due to the savage nature of the stamp.
“I hope the victim welcomes the outcome at court.
“With regard to Merry, hopefully now he gets time to reflect on his behaviour and actions and spends his time in prison to positively change his ways.”
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