Custodial sentence welcomed by police following Wem Carnival assault

And they have warned that people who resort to violence, often when fuelled by alcohol, will be arrested and put before the courts.

The comments follow the appearance at Shrewsbury Crown Court of 20-year-old Aaron Ivor William Chelmick, of Rainford Way, Wem who admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and another charge of possessing the drug mephedrone.

Chelmick, who struck a man on the head with a bar several times in Aston Street following an argument, was sent to a young offenders' institute for 44 weeks.

PC Ed Bates, one of the investigating officers, said the sentence should serve as a warning to others to stay out of trouble and avoid confrontation.

He said the assault happened during the early hours of September 4 following Wem Carnival when a large number of people were walking in the town centre in an intoxicated state.

"I hope this case will send out a clear message to the small minority who commit crime, especially at or around local community events such as Wem Carnival, that their behaviour will not be tolerated and they can expect to be punished by the courts.

"This was a violent attack, committed during the celebrations after Wem Carnival. The message to the wider community is that West Mercia Police, in partnership with local people and other agencies, will do everything in its power to detect violent offences and bring offenders to justice."

PC Bates said with the support of local communities, positive results could be achieved in relation to violent crime and praised people in Wem who provided assistance in this case.

"During this investigation, a number of witnesses came forward from the community, providing statements to assist the police.

"Shropshire Council also assisted in locating the weapon used in the attack and CCTV was provided locally in addition to the Wem town centre CCTV."

He added: "This greatly assisted the positive outcome of this case and I would like to thank all those involved."