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A traffic warden who was hospitalised with a bleed on the brain after being attacked by a bodybuilder has welcomed the court's decision to jail him.

Gillian Brooks, 62, of Sherwood, was attacked after she stuck a parking ticket on a white BMW owned by 23-year-old Reece Wall.

Wall, of Arnold Road, Basford, was handed a 26-week prison sentence following the attack, which happened on May 10 in Arnold's Croft Road car park.

He was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to Mrs Brooks, who was knocked unconscious and suffered a bleed on the brain.

City magistrate David Clarson told him: "This case involved a public servant going about her everyday duties, issuing a ticket to a car parked in an inappropriate way.

(Image: Nottingham Post)

"For whatever reason, you punched that person and on the way down, kicked her to the legs. The lady was unconscious for several minutes and had a serious bleed to the brain.

"She spent two days in hospital and continued to suffer for some time, not only mentally and physically but it has affected her ability to work," added Mr Clarson, who sat with two colleagues.

Wall, who had never been in trouble before, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. As well as the prison sentence, he must also pay a £115 government surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, said the BMW was parked in a "shop mobility" bay without showing a ticket. The warden spoke to Wall's partner, who was alone in the car, but was unable to move it.

The attack took place when Wall came out of a pharmacy and returned to the car, knocking out the warden.

Mr Pietryka added: "She suffered a head wound which required glueing.

"When Wall was interviewed, he said 'I lost my head'."

Louise Winning, mitigating, said Wall "simply saw red". After the attack, he drove home but then waited for police officers to arrive.

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"He is completely shocked at his behaviour. There was no intention to cause harm and it was not a deliberate act.

"The only explanation he can give was that at the time he was training for a body building competition, also modelling and dieting.

"When he has no body fat, he does not function properly," said Miss Winning.

Wall had paid for anger management sessions and regretted the "nasty, nasty attack," added Miss Winning.

In a statement prepared for the court, Mrs Brooks said she is still off sick and is receiving counselling.

"It had a big impact emotionally and on my wellbeing. I struggle when going out of the house alone and worry when I see a white BMW. I have constant headaches," she said.

A probation report said Wall used steroids last year in readiness for a body building competition. But he had taken no other drugs and did not have an alcohol problem, the report added.

(Image: Nottingham Post)

After the sentencing, Mrs Brooks, who attended the court hearing, told Nottinghamshire Live: "I was an emotional wreck. I cried with relief that he has gone to prison for this. The emotional drain of it was unbearable.

"I was desperate for this type of result. I wanted to show that this was a serious attack. This was a step too far.

"I still struggle with my jaw and can't fully open it and eat, but it will take some time. I am aiming to get back to work now this is out the way."

Mrs Brooks, who had to miss out on a holiday to Germany due to the injuries sustained, believes Wall showed little remorse in the court room.

She said: "That's how it came across to me. I was not convinced. I am now weary about being approached. It is still affecting me today and it creeps up in every day situations."