A man with a criminal record of over 100 offences has avoided immediate prison time after being sentenced for two unprovoked assaults in Liverpool city centre and running a cannabis farm. Anthony Mason, 53, received a suspended sentence at Liverpool Crown Court despite his extensive history of violent and drug-related crimes.
The court heard how Mason's violent acts were captured on CCTV, and police discovered his drug operation while attempting to arrest him for the first assault. Despite the severity of the charges and his past convictions, a judge cited Mason's poor health and drug addiction as reasons for the suspended sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Anthony Mason, 53, was sentenced to 23 months in prison, suspended for two years, for two separate assaults and cannabis production.
- The first assault occurred in May 2022 at Ruby Blues club, leaving the victim with multiple bleeds on the brain.
- A second unprovoked attack took place in March 2024 outside a takeaway, resulting in the victim needing stitches.
- Police discovered a cannabis farm worth up to £8,000 and £4,840 in cash at Mason's home.
- The court was told Mason has 56 previous convictions for 103 offences, including violence and drug supply.
First Assault Leads to Drug Bust
The sequence of events leading to Anthony Mason's court appearance began on the night of May 7, 2022. The court was shown CCTV footage from the Ruby Blues club on Great Charlotte Street, which detailed the first violent incident.
Prosecutor Ben Berkson explained that Mason had a brief interaction with his victim, Wayne Scott, before launching an unprovoked attack. Mason was seen swinging at Mr. Scott five times, knocking him unconscious to the floor.
The consequences for Mr. Scott were severe. Mr. Berkson told the court, "The victim, because of the assault, cannot remember what happened. But he fell to the floor and had to go to hospital."
Severe Head Injuries
A CT scan performed at the hospital revealed that Mr. Scott had suffered multiple bleeds inside his head. He required hospitalisation for four days to receive treatment for his injuries.
Police Uncover Cannabis Operation
When police officers went to arrest Mason for the assault in August 2022, they discovered more than they anticipated. At his property on Bannerman Street, Edge Hill, they found clear signs of a cannabis cultivation setup.
The search yielded over half a kilogram of flowering cannabis heads. The estimated street value of the drugs was between £5,000 and £8,000. Officers also found £4,840 in cash hidden inside a slow cooker.
This was not a one-time discovery. A subsequent police raid on the same property in August 2023 again found evidence of cannabis cultivation, with two more plants being seized by authorities.
A Second Unprovoked Attack
While under investigation, Anthony Mason committed another act of violence in Liverpool city centre. On a night in March 2024, he was recorded on CCTV outside the Filling Station takeaway at the corner of Victoria Street and North John Street.
The victim, Robert Bowen, was visiting the city for the weekend with friends. According to the prosecution, Mr. Bowen had become separated from his group and was heading back to his hotel near Lime Street station.
Details of the Second Assault
CCTV footage showed Mr. Bowen chatting with another person outside the takeaway. Mason was seen loitering nearby with no initial interaction between them. Mr. Berkson described how Mason walked out of the camera's view before returning to launch the attack. He said, "The defendant comes back, and this is where (there was) one punch. A second punch, and the victim is knocked to the floor."
Members of the public came to Mr. Bowen's aid. He sustained a 3cm cut to his mouth which required stitches at a hospital before he was discharged a few hours later.
An Extensive Criminal History
The court was presented with Anthony Mason's significant criminal record, which spans decades. Mr. Berkson detailed that the 53-year-old has accumulated 56 convictions for a total of 103 separate offences.
His record includes numerous crimes of a serious nature. These past convictions feature:
- Grievous bodily harm and wounding
- Assaults on police officers
- Actual bodily harm convictions
- Public order offences
- Possession of cannabis in 2009
- Supplying a controlled drug of Class A in 2021
- Production of cannabis in 2023
For the 2023 cannabis production offence, Mason had been serving a community order, which he breached by committing the subsequent crimes.
Defence Cites Health and Personal Issues
During the proceedings, Mason appeared frail, entering the dock hunched over and using a cane. His defence counsel, Lionel Gregg, argued that his client's offending was linked to a long-standing drug problem that began after a relationship breakdown.
"Addressing the problems with drugs will hopefully go some way to preventing the commission of further offending in the further," Mr. Gregg stated in court.
The defence also highlighted Mason's severe health problems. Mr. Gregg informed the court that his client had suffered a stroke and spent a significant portion of 2024 in and out of hospital. He also contracted an infection during his rehabilitation which impacted his wellbeing.
"The defendant is still clearly suffered with his health and wellbeing, and also with his drug addiction," Mr. Gregg added. He also mentioned that Mason's mother had recently passed away, with the funeral scheduled for October.
The Judge's Decision
In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Mark Bradshaw acknowledged the arguments made by the defence. He directly addressed Mason, noting his personal difficulties.
"I have considered all that has been said on your behalf. I take into account your difficulties with drugs. I see you're actively pursuing support in relation to that. I note your difficult medical history, suffering a stroke... I think it would be difficult for you in prison, with all your difficulties," the judge said.
Mason pleaded guilty to two counts of section 20 assault causing grievous bodily harm, two counts of producing a controlled class B drug (cannabis), and breaching his community order.
The judge handed down a total sentence of 23 months in prison, suspended for two years. In addition, Mason must comply with a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement order and a six-month curfew. Upon leaving the court building, Mason was seen walking unaided and twirling his cane.