Man fined but walks free after random assault on woman

By Nub News Reporter 8th Jul 2025

King Street where the random assault took place.
King Street where the random assault took place.

A MULTIPLE shop thief who assaulted a young woman in a random attack in a busy Thurrock street escaped prison when he appeared in court.

Thomas Larke, 24, who gave his address as 'no fixed abode' when he appeared before Southend magistrates assaulted a woman on King Street in Stanford-le-Hope.

The incident happened around 9am on Tuesday, 1 July after he had left the Railway Tavern, where he was staying.

Initially he attempted to assault a woman who escaped by getting into a taxi.

Larke then turned his attention to another woman who was passing by and pulled her hair and punched her several times.

She escaped by taking shelter in a local estate agency office where the door was locked to prevent him getting access. Police were alerted and apprehended Larke in the town centre.

A search of his room at the pub unearthed a number of weapon, reportedly including machetes, knives and hammers.

Larke, who originates from Wales, is known to have a drug addiction.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Friday, 4 July and was fined £50 in connection with multiple shop thefts and for assault by beating

He was issued with a community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement and rehabilitation activity requirement.

Larke also received an order to pay £300 compensation for the assault.

     

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