A man has been jailed for attacking a rough sleeper in Liverpool city centre.
Theo Maulba kicked the unknown man wrapped in a sleeping back outside the Tesco store on Dale Street in an incident which sparked widespread outrage.
Footage of the December 9 incident was widely circulated on social media.
Maulba, from Wexford Road in Oxton, appeared at Sefton Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with assault by beating and possession of a class B drug.
The court heard that the 24-year-old kicked the homeless man in the head, causing it to recoil, and was seen leaning over the victim in an ‘agitated’ state.
Police attended Maluba’s address after he was identified and discovered the synthetic drug known as ‘spice’ at the address for which he was charged.
Maulba has 27 convictions for 35 offences including two counts of common assault and received a now expired suspended sentence for cannabis possession.
He pleaded guilt to the latest charges with Carl Nadim, defending, telling the court: “The victim in this case is a friend and is known to Mr Maulba.
“He has been a person who has frequented the homeless lifestyle himself and he has become friends with the victim.”
Mr Nadim explained to the court that Maulba received benefits which was spent on spice while the victim was expected to return to favour.
He said: “They had the spice and he was meant to reciprocate the next day with Maulba meeting the victim and them embarking on a spice session.
“The next day when Mr Maulba attended, his friend hasn’t been present and he hasn’t been able to find him.”
In sentencing Maulba to 16 weeks behind bars, District Judge Wendy Lloyd said: “I am asked to show you mercy today but you showed none.
“I haven’t seen the CCTV, I have had a good clear breakdown of the footage. You seem to be leaning over, you are agitated.
“He is on the floor and you kick him when he is vulnerable and unable to defend himself. You can see his head go back.”