Threat to kill after coffee spill at Moulton Seas End lorry yard

A lorry driver struck a colleague with a metal bar following a dispute over a spilled cup of coffee.

Terry Townsend challenged Robert Smalley (59) after discovering the spilled drink in his cab at the Mark Goddard Transport depot in Moulton Seas End.

Phil Howes, prosecuting at Lincoln Crown Court on Tuesday, said Townsend grabbed Mr Smalley and was pushed back.
“Townsend shouted ‘I’m going to kill you’ before going to his lorry and returning with the metal bar.
“He hit Mr Smalley on the back and head and knocked him over. When he tried to get up he was hit on the wrist, causing swelling and grazes.”

Townsend (52), of Grove Street, Great Hale, near Sleaford, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm as a result of the incident on June 16.

Judge Stuart Rafferty gave him a nine-month jail sentence suspended for a year with 12 months’ supervision. Townsend was also ordered to pay £250 compensation.

The judge told Townsend: “I accept that at the time this happened you were under a great deal of personal stress.
“That explains why on this particular day, with so little cause for provocation, you behaved in the way you did.
“You armed yourself with a weapon after the argument had taken place. If I thought for a moment you had done so intending to cause serious injury with it you would have gone straight to prison.
“It was an ugly incident with an ugly and unnecessary injury.”

more >

Deputy mayor asks residents how transport network should be improved

17 Jul 2025

Plans for 86-bed care home on Bull and Monkie passed

17 Jul 2025

Alleged attempted kidnapper from Spalding concedes he has ‘distinctive’ Yorkshire accent as co-accused chooses not to give evidence

17 Jul 2025

Questions asked over wheelie bins in scrutiny meeting

16 Jul 2025

Town first on oche for littering pilot

16 Jul 2025

Extra government cash for IDB bills

16 Jul 2025