80-year-old man defended himself and punched thug 'on rampage' in Eastmoor
A pensioner attacked by a thug in Eastmoor had to undergo hip replacement surgery, a court heard.
Gatis Lapins barged into the 72-year-old from behind and he fell to the ground causing a fracture to his right thigh.
The court heard Lapins, 34, went on the rampage in the Windhill Road area while high on drink and drugs on April 12.
Lapins confronted a man in his garden and tried to pick up his dog.
Prosecutor, Brogan Riley said Lapins punched the man in the face, causing a split lip.
The court heard Lapins then targeted the 72-year-old man nearby and pushed him to the ground.
He was taken to Pinderfields Hospital by ambulance and later underwent hip replacement surgery.
When he was discharged from hospital he had to use a walking frame and stick.
Following that attack, Lapins targeted an 80-year-old man and pushed him against some railings.
Miss Riley said the pensioner defended himself and punched Lapins in the face.
Lapins then got the 80-year-old in a headlock and punched him in the face, causing a cut to his left eye.
Lapins left the scene but returned in a change of clothes after police arrived and was arrested.
He was searched and found to have a razor blade and a small amount of cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine.
In a victim impact statement the 72-year-old man said he was still suffering pain and using a walking stick six-months later.
Lapins, of Oakley Street, Wakefield, admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm, and common assault. He also admitted three charges of possessing Class A drugs.
He has three previous convictions for four offences including battery in 2022.
Mitigating, Caitlin Smith, said: "It's a mixture of illicit substance abuse, alcohol and sleep deprivation which has led to this."
Miss Smith said Lapins has stopped taking drugs and only drinks on social occasions.
She said he is working full-time as a painter and decorator.
The court heard a pre-sentence report stated the risk of Lapin re-offending as medium to low.
Judge Anesh Pema told Lapins: "You decided, as you were under he influence of drugs, to go on a bit of a rampage."
Judge Pema sentenced Lapins to 32-months' in prison, suspended for two years.
He will be subject to a two-year probation order and must do 200-hours of unpaid work.
Judge Pema ordered Lapins to pay each of his victims £250 compensation.