Two individuals embraced an elderly man before launching a violent assault that resulted in him losing consciousness.

Paul McCann, aged 66, expressed that his self-assurance was shattered by the attack, causing him to no longer feel safe in Liverpool city center and contemplate relocating from Merseyside. The incident occurred as Paul was returning home after socializing with friends on October 20, 2024. He encountered a homeless woman named Cheryl Driver in a wheelchair and engaged in conversation with her.

During the encounter, Michael Coyle and Keith White, who were accompanying Cheryl, approached Paul. White hugged Paul before a confrontation ensued, leading to Paul pushing White away and a subsequent physical altercation initiated by Coyle. The assault left Paul lying on the ground, briefly unconscious after being kicked.

Following the incident, Paul sought help at a nearby hotel, where the authorities were contacted. He later visited the hospital with rib pain and bruising, suspected to be from the attack but left without treatment due to long wait times and his responsibility to care for his dogs.

In a statement shared in court, Paul described the physical and emotional toll of the incident, mentioning his struggles with COPD exacerbating his pain. He expressed feeling a heightened sense of vulnerability and unease in his surroundings, leading him to consider moving to a different area for his well-being.

The attackers, White and Coyle, were identified through CCTV footage. White had an extensive criminal record, while Coyle had multiple convictions, including one for assault. During the sentencing, their attorneys highlighted their struggles with substance abuse and homelessness and expressed remorse on behalf of the offenders.

White and Coyle admitted to affray charges and were sentenced to six months in prison each. The presiding judge acknowledged White’s progress in overcoming drug addiction while in custody and noted Coyle’s history of substance misuse and homelessness, ultimately deciding against a suspended sentence for both individuals.