A woman who viciously attacked a defenseless man at a strip club has managed to evade a prison sentence, primarily due to her status as a mother. In a shocking incident that took place at the Honey Club in Solihull, Whitney Freeman repeatedly punched the victim after he had already been assaulted by two other men in her company. The victim suffered a broken jaw and endured a liquid diet for four long months. The court heard that Freeman was the only one to be prosecuted out of the three individuals involved.
During her hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, the 30-year-old resident of Lutterworth, Leicestershire received a suspended sentence of 22 months, which would be in effect for 21 months. Recorder Eugene Egan justified this decision by acknowledging Freeman’s responsibility as the sole carer for her two-year-old son, a relatively low risk of reoffending, and the possibility of effective community management.
The incident occurred on December 8, 2019, when the victim, after watching a football match, made his way to the Honey Club on Solihull’s High Street. While sitting at a booth with strangers, a friendly atmosphere prevailed until male number one, seated next to Freeman, suddenly punched the victim. Subsequently, the second male also struck him in the head. In a moment of helplessness, Freeman seized the opportunity to deliver several blows to the victim’s head.
The victim, left in excruciating pain, underwent surgery and had to consume soft food for an extended period. Additionally, he developed anxiety at social gatherings and grew uncomfortable with people being in close proximity to him.
Freeman was eventually identified by the staff and interviewed by the police. Initially, she claimed self-defense, asserting that the victim had pushed her before she retaliated with a single punch. However, upon viewing the CCTV footage capturing the entire assault, she admitted feeling “disgusted” by her own actions.
Despite providing the names of the other two assailants, the Crown decided not to pursue legal action against them, prompting Freeman’s defense attorney, Martin Liddiard, to express concerns over the delay in charging his client. Liddiard highlighted that Freeman had cooperated fully and, since the incident, had become a mother and was dependent on Universal Credit. He also mentioned that she would be able to offer compensation as her father would be providing financial assistance.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Freeman was ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity, carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, and pay the victim £500 in compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the woman avoid a prison sentence?
The woman, Whitney Freeman, avoided a prison sentence primarily because she is the sole carer for her two-year-old son and due to a relatively low risk of reoffending. The court determined that she could be managed effectively in the community.
2. How did the assault unfold?
The assault took place at the Honey Club in Solihull. Freeman, accompanied by two other men, repeatedly punched a defenseless man after he had already been attacked by the two men. The victim suffered a broken jaw and had to follow a liquid diet for four months.
3. Were the other two individuals involved in the assault prosecuted?
No, the other two individuals were not prosecuted for their involvement in the assault. Despite Freeman providing their names to the investigators, the Crown decided not to pursue legal action against them.
4. What were the consequences for Whitney Freeman?
Whitney Freeman received a suspended sentence of 22 months, which would be in effect for 21 months. In addition, she was ordered to complete rehabilitation activity, perform unpaid work, and pay £500 in compensation to the victim.