A MAN has been sentenced for kicking a defenceless victim in the head during Christmas disorder in Falmouth Town Centre.

The incident took place on December 17, 2024 with footage widely shared on social media due to the victim being dressed as Santa Claus at the time.

Abdulmutalip Kaya, 25, of Trelowen Drive in Penryn, appeared at Truro Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Tuesday [April 14] after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).

Turkish national Kaya was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation of £2,500 to the victim.

The incident took place on Killigrew Street which was busy with festive revellers. Council CCTV showed disorder between two groups - one including staff from nearby takeaways. The footage showed the victim holding Kaya in a bear hug while Kaya was being assaulted by others.

The victim then gets knocked unconscious and falls to the floor. At this point, Kaya punches him twice before returning and kicking the semi-conscious victim to the head. The victim slumps to the ground before Kaya kicks him in the head again.

A media appeal by Devon & Cornwall Police resulted in the victim being identified on December 22, 2024. He had suffered a cut to the head and abrasions to the face and mouth, and underwent a CT scan in hospital due to loss of consciousness and feelings of nausea.

In interview, Kaya admitted the assault, but claimed it was in self-defence after a racial attack.

Police were alerted two days after the incident when a video spread via social media. Sgt Chris Vincent said: “This was an unusual incident in that it wasn’t reported to police at the time. We became aware due to the social media video and from it were able to identify the victim and suspect.

“This was a particularly distressing attack because the victim lay completely defenceless when he was kicked to the head. It was a matter of luck that he was not more seriously injured or even killed.”

“These were chaotic scenes as many people enjoyed a festive night out. Such violence will not be tolerated.”