A COUNCILLOR who was attacked after photographing a yob committing anti-social behaviour has blasted his assailant’s ‘light’ sentence.
Ashbrow councillor Ken Smith was attacked by Damien Sylvester after snapping him riding his motorbike along Oxley Road, Brackenhall, without a helmet or number plate on August 8, 2008.
After Clr Smith drove away in his car, Sylvester followed him on his bike at speed.
Sylvester, 31, of Hopkinson Road, Brackenhall, then threw a rock at Clr Smith’s car causing £140 of damage.
Unemployed Sylvester was yesterday ordered to pay £140 compensation plus £60 costs.
He was also placed on a 42-day curfew over five days each week.
Sentencing Sylvester yesterday at Huddersfield Magistrates Court District Judge Andrew Hatton praised Clr Smith’s for his actions.
Mr Hatton said: “This was an unpleasant incident on a road where a well-meaning member of the public was trying to do a good service.
“He was pursued by you (Sylvester) and damage was done to his vehicle. It is a serious matter.”
In mitigation the court heard Sylvester was a part-time carer for his grandmother.
But Clr Smith, who has fought against nuisance riders for years, said he was disappointed with Sylvester’s sentence.
He said: “That’s a light sentence. I would have expected a minimum fine.
“There’s me going about my duty to the electorate and being attacked.
“The law should protect public people who are doing a job for the community.
“Though the judge praised what I did, I would have expected a greater sentence so it would send out a warning.”
But Clr Smith said he would be continuing his fight against anti-social behaviour.
He said: “As a representative I have to protect our constituents by all fair means and I would do it again and I am doing it again and I won’t be put off by this sort of behaviour.”
