A judge told a former soldier that he had plumbed the depths of degradation as he jailed him today for three years for urinating on a disabled woman as she lay dying.

Anthony Anderson, 27, appeared before Teesside Crown Court on a charge of outraging public decency for the way he treated Christine Lakinski, 50, a neighbour, when she collapsed in the street in Hartlepool last July.

Instead of going to her aid, he kicked her in the foot, poured a bowl of water over her and then urinated over her prone body as a friend captured the image on his mobile phone.

The court heard how Miss Lakinski had suffered curvature of the spine and learning difficulties from birth. She had been subjected to bullying all her life to such an extent she felt compelled to move house frequently and had lost touch with her family.

On the day of the incident Anderson had been celebrating his birthday with friends Scott Clement and Simon Whitehead.

He had drunk a considerable amount of sherry and wine and had smoked cannabis when he learnt that his neighbour had collapsed outside.

Susan Jacobs, for the prosecution, said: “Apparently urged on by the fact Scott Clement and Simon Whitehead found his actions amusing, the defendant then stated he was going to urinate on the woman.

“Simon Whitehead, having cleared space on his mobile, proceeded to record him urinating all over Christine’s prone body, throughout which she remained motionless.” One of the group shouted “this is YouTube material” as the humiliation was filmed, the court heard.

Anderson also covered her in shaving foam which he got from his home.

Ms Jacobs said the group left her motionless on the pavement and no-one thought to ring an ambulance until they had got ready to go nightclubbing, some 20 minutes later.

Paramedics arrived around an hour after she collapsed, and found no sign of life. A post-mortem examination revealed she died from pancreatic failure.

Police traced the 999 call to Mr Clement and Anderson was arrested that night in a nightclub.

Judge Peter Fox, the recorder of Middlesbrough, told Anderson that his actions plumbed the depths of degradation in what was a “shockingly sad story”.

He said: “You violated this woman in an incredible way and the shocking nature of your acts over a prolonged period of time must mean a prison sentence of greater length is appropriate in this case.

“I am sure all decent people will be absolutely disgusted not only at the actions of Anthony Anderson but also those other people present who stood and watched and laughed, and in one case recorded the incident on a mobile phone”.

The court was told that Miss Lakinski’s father George, 79, has suffered greatly since his daughter’s death in such degrading circumstances.

Outside the court the family said in a statement: “We hope that prison will give him time to reflect on his disgusting actions as the opportunity to examine his conscience.

“We remain totally shocked that anyone could behave in such an appalling way. The fact that Christine was dying makes this man’s actions even more sick and inhumane.

“However, those who stood by and did nothing to stop Anderson are also guilty in our eyes. It beggars belief that these people chose not only to condone his cruelty, but also to walk away from a neighbour who was clearly in distress and needed help.

“Christine faced immense challenges throughout her life and overcame many difficulties to forge an independent life for herself. Anyone who knew her well knew that she was cheerful, friendly and trusting. This is how we will choose to remember her.”

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