Carl Nicholson, 34, has admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent after a street fight in Amble left a man with a broken jaw, eye socket and nose. The victim needed immediate surgery and was left on a soft-food diet and in significant pain.
Attack in Amble
Prosecutors said Nicholson and the victim had been "squaring up" to each other in the coastal town when both started using their fists. However, Nicholson took the violence "too far" and threw numerous punches to the man's head, causing him to fall to the ground. The 34-year-old then kicked the victim to the ribs before calmly walking away.
The victim was taken to hospital and needed immediate surgery after suffering a broken jaw, nose, and eye socket. He was left in pain and on a soft-food diet as a result.
Court hearing
Nicholson, of Dandsfield Square, in Amble, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent during a hearing at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court. Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said the pair randomly bumped into each other in the coastal town at around 4pm on March 18 this year.
Mr Anieto continued: "The victim was heard shouting 'You have got my money', to which the defendant replied 'f*** off'. The victim took his coat off."
"The next thing, the defendant himself started coming towards the victim. They squared-up to each other. Several punches were thrown. The defendant then got the better of the victim with persistent punches thrown at him."
"The defendant then kicked him in the ribs before walking away."
Victim impact
The court heard that the victim was taken to hospital having suffered the serious injuries. Mr Anieto added: "The victim was quickly operated on, where he had to have screws fixed to his jaw. He was on a soft-food diet and has been left in pain for a significant period of time."
In a statement, the victim said: "I was in a lot of pain. I was having sleepless nights and my anxiety levels went through the roof. I'm still receiving treatment for my injuries and I'm trying to come to terms with them."
Defence and sentencing
The court was told that Nicholson had 37 offences on his record, which spanned from 2005 to 2020. Liz Dunbar, defending, said: "He pleads guilty the basis that it was self-defence gone too far."
"The victim was the initial aggressor. Mr Nicholson has been bullied by this man for sometime. He believed he was going to be seriously assaulted."
Magistrates decided to commit the case to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence. Nicholson was released on conditional bail to next appear there on October 20.
