Man punched Muslim nurse wearing a hijab and tried to tie it around her neck on her way to meet patient
Judge said: 'She's a nurse and a carer and was on her way out to care for a lady'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 25-year-old man has been jailed after he ripped the hijab off a nurse and punched her in the face.
The 29-year-old woman had been on her way to treat a patient and was attacked in an alleyway near her home in Stone-on-Trent last August.
Jake Hammersley pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated common assault, assault by beating and causing racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence.
She suffered a two-inch cut to her nose and a large mark on her neck.
As reported by the Stoke Sentinel, Judge Paul Glenn said: “You took the headscarf and pulled it around her neck and when she defended herself you punched her in the face.
”She ran to her brother's house – she was upset, crying, and shaken up.
“I have also watched some footage and one wouldn't like to be a police officer dealing with the likes of you.”
He added: “She’s a nurse and a carer and was on her way out to care for a lady.”
Prosecutor Caroline Harris said four men were involved in the attack. The victim warned she would call her son when they started verbally assaulting her, but one of the men grabbed her phone and put it on the car.
Hammersley then pulled down her hijab and tightened it around her neck before punching her. As she called for help, three of the men ran away.
When her nephew came out she ran to her brother’s house.
Ms Harris added that the plaintiff saw a dozen men carrying bricks and sticks and started fighting.
Police had to separate Hammersley from a group of Asian men.
Hammersley’s lawyer, Robert Smith, claimed his client had been leading a “chaotic lifestyle” and was “relying on the goodwill” of friends and family for accommodation, money and food. He said he had been living with his partner and had a full-time job since March.
He had 29 previous convictions.
Hammersley was sentenced to 40 weeks in jail.
His girlfriend Tracy Peaty wrote on social media: “Not a bad result at all Jake Hammersley see u soon."