To receive immediate updates on the latest news stories, subscribe to our breaking news emails and have them delivered directly to your email inbox at no cost.
Join our mailing list to receive free updates on breaking news.
A disc jockey who recorded himself peeing on a cancer patient in a nightclub restroom and shared the footage on Snapchat has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison.
Leigh Brookfield, age 40, confessed to committing common assault following the widespread circulation of a video on social media on Boxing Day.
The video shows Brookfield and Peter Barton standing together at the urinals in Llanelli Tennis and Squash Club.
During a conversation with Mr. Barton about his health problems, Brookfield apologizes and urinates on him without the victim’s knowledge.
After the incident, Brookfield received a lifetime ban from the club for his reprehensible behavior.
During his court appearance, Mr. Barton expressed, “Upon viewing this video, I was moved to tears.”
“I was in disbelief that someone could treat another person in such a way. I was left speechless and my blood pressure skyrocketed.”
“I strongly believe that his behavior was completely repulsive.”
Mr Barton expressed his distress about the video and expressed worry that he may be identified due to its contents.
In a statement, the Llanelli Tennis and Squash Club expressed that Peter was understandably distressed by this occurrence, particularly since he had recently undergone cancer treatment.
“We are a family friendly club and are devastated that our name has been bought into this despicable act by a person who has no association with the club and through no fault of our own. Leigh Brookfield has been banned from the club for life for his vile actions.”
Robert Thomas, speaking on behalf of him, stated: “There is not much to be said in Mr. Brookfield’s defense.”
He feels extreme embarrassment, shame, and deep remorse for his actions.
“He is thoroughly shocked and disgusted with his own actions.”
According to Mr. Thomas, Brookfield expressed remorse in a pre-sentence report and in letters to the court, and now wishes to reiterate their apology through him.
The individual informed the court that Brookfield resides with his significant other, who is expecting a child in February, and also has caregiving duties for his teenage daughter.
Mr. Thomas stated that the incident served as a “wake-up call” for his client, who had recently stopped consuming alcohol and drugs. He also expressed that the possibility of imprisonment was a source of great fear for his client.
During the sentencing of Brookfield, the judge recounted Mr Barton’s discussion about his cancer diagnosis.
According to Judge Layton, the typical reaction from people would have been to offer words of sympathy. However, you chose to urinate on the back of his clothing and capture it on film instead.
The judge stated that Mr. Barton was not aware of the incident until he viewed the video footage.
“You were obviously teasing him while you were drinking,” he informed Brookfield.
The judge sentenced Brookfield to 14 weeks in prison, with half to be served before release. He also required Brookfield to pay £500 in compensation, a £154 surcharge, and £85 for costs.
Reword: Unable to rephrase, as the source is the independent.co.uk website.
