Beachgoer who pushed woman in her 60s off bike and 6ft over sea wall because he 'thought it would be funny' is spared jail

Published: 11:02, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 11:08, 14 July 2026 A beachgoer who caused 'psychological harm' to a woman in her 60s after pushing her 6ft over a sea wall because he 'thought it would be funny' has been spared jail. Daniel Dickons knocked the victim off her bike 'for no reason' - causing her to suffer multiple injuries, including a gash to her chin and an exposed kneecap. The 39-year-old was detained at Culver Parade in the Isle of Wight following the attack, while the woman - who had fallen onto the beach below - was taken to hospital. Dickons pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was handed a 52-week jail term, suspended for 24 months, to include a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and 35 rehabilitation days. Dickons was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation. Prosecutor Lauren McConnell previously said the woman had been cycling on August 5 last year along the seawall on Culver Parade, between Yaverland and Sandown in the Isle of Wight in the early afternoon. As she passed the Bandstand, Dickons reached out and pushed her off her bike, sending her over the seawall and onto the beach below - a fall of around five to six feet. Daniel Dickons (pictured) knocked the victim off her bike 'for no reason' - causing her to suffer multiple injuries, including a gash to her chin and an exposed kneecap The 39-year-old was detained at Culver Parade (pictured) in the Isle of Wight following the attack on August 5 last year The Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court heard the assault was unprovoked and happened ‘for no reason.’ The woman’s bike landed on top of her, and she was initially unable to move one of her legs. Emergency services attended the scene, including an air ambulance crew. The victim was taken to the hospital and discharged later that night. The court heard she was left with several injuries, including a large scar to her chin, a neck injury, a black eye, and an exposed kneecap. Ms McConnell said the woman has since suffered psychological harm and now wakes multiple times a week due to nightmares. Dickons, from the Isle of Wight, was detained at the scene by a member of the public before being arrested by police. The prosecutor told the court it remains unclear why Dickons carried out the attack, although he told officers he ‘thought it would be funny, so he did it.’ Dickons has six previous convictions for six offences dating back to 2008. Defending, Oscar Vincent said there had been no offending in the 13 years prior to this incident. He said his client had made a full admission to police and expressed remorse immediately.