A Birmingham man has expressed his sense of betrayal after being attacked with a baseball bat by his housemate in Erdington. Leon Townsend, 50, received a suspended sentence for the brutal assault on Sean Kieran at their shared home on Hesketh Crescent on August 29, 2024.
The Attack
The incident began as a verbal argument that quickly turned violent. Townsend punched Mr Kieran before retrieving a baseball bat and striking him repeatedly on the head, back, and legs until he lost consciousness. The victim suffered a concussion, head wounds, and extensive bruising, requiring hospital treatment.
Victim's Statement
In court, Mr Kieran said: "I have been betrayed by the same person I have known for years and lived with him." He described feeling isolated and having to "change my whole personality" after the attack. "I don't know how to function without being myself. Leon has taken that from me," he added.
Court Details
Birmingham Crown Court heard that Townsend consumes four cans of cider daily and has struggled with alcohol addiction. Both men had been drinking at the time of the incident, the defence stated. Recorder George Kelly sentenced Townsend to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must complete rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programmes and pay £1,000 in compensation. The judge warned this was Townsend's "last chance," noting: "You're lucky and he's lucky he didn't suffer more serious injuries."
