VIDEO: Don't ignore crimes such as this street attack – police

POLICE have urged people not to turn a blind eye to crime after a man was assaulted in the city centre as numerous passers-by did nothing.

Gavin Moran lashed out at two people after a dog barked at him, Bristol Crown Court was told.

After knocking a woman to the ground he floored a man and kicked and punched him on the pavement as crowds strolled by, seemingly oblivious.

Moran, 39, of Eastlyn Road, Bedminster Down, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Judge Michael Harington gave him a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, with a year's supervision, three months curfew and order for Moran not to re-offend.

The judge told Moran: "You have been making progress to overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol.

"I'm impressed by the letters I have read. A pretty wretched crime occurred and you richly deserve to go to prison."

VIDEO: CCTV SHOWING THE STREET ATTACK.

Paul Grumbar, prosecuting, said it was on an evening in July 2011 when Jane Hallam and Anthony Pearce were sat on a bench near the water fountains at the bottom of Park Street.

Mr Grumbar said: "The defendant approached and he started arguing with another person nearby.

"Miss Hallam knew the defendant and her dog started barking at him.

"The defendant kicked the dog, though he said he nudged it.

"Miss Hallam remonstrated and, according to her, he punched her to the jaw and she fell to the ground unconscious."

Mr Grumbar said it was Moran's case that he was struggling with somebody else, recklessly struck Miss Hallam and he noticed her fall.

He told the court: "Mr Pearce went to help her. On his account the defendant kicked him to his face.

"Mr Pearce walked away, the defendant followed him and pushed him over. CCTV shows how he hit and kicked him on the floor."

Mr Grumbar said Mr Pearce, who was in poor health and wore a colostomy bag, was left on the ground before he got up.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the assault, as well as Mr Pearce recovering and walking to a traffic island in the centre of the road.

Moran was captured as he followed Mr Pearce and a scuffle with him continued, again in full view of passing cars and people.

Eventually police and an ambulance crew were called to the scene and Moran was arrested nearby.

He told officers: "I hit him because he was in my face," and claimed Miss Hallam was trying to "stitch him up".

The court heard Mr Pearce suffered a fractured kneecap and Miss Hallam a bruised face, but neither wished to make a complaint.

It was only later, after Miss Hallam said Moran threatened her outside the job centre in St Stephen's Street, that she made a complaint about the July incident.

Moran denied kicking Mr Pearce on the ground but was shown the CCTV evidence and made no further comment.

He has previous convictions for assault, threatening behaviour and causing grievous bodily harm, Mr Grumbar said.

Philip Warren, defending, said his client would turn 40 this year and was in poor health. Mr Warren said: "These offences were 18 months ago and he's cleaned himself up."

Police Constable Richard Newall told The Post: "The message is don't get involved if you are worried about recrimination, but don't turn a blind eye to something going on around you. Let us know and we will attend and deal with it.

"We need the help of the public to ensure crime does not continue unabated."