A man who punched and kicked a colleague during a works Christmas party in a Swansea bar has been given a suspended prison sentence. Tyler Hopkins, 30, attacked the victim on the dancefloor of Bonnie Rogues on Wind Street on December 19 last year, leaving him with multiple facial fractures.
Attack on the dancefloor
Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that Hopkins and the victim were colleagues working for the same firm on a freelance or subcontracting basis. Both men were part of a group attending a Christmas works outing at the venue.
The court heard that Hopkins pushed the other man, and when the complainant raised his arms in a defensive gesture, Hopkins punched him in the head. The victim was knocked to the floor and, as he tried to get up, Hopkins kicked him in the face.
Injuries and impact
The injured man was taken to Morriston Hospital by ambulance, where doctors found he had sustained a fractured jaw, fractured skull, and broken nose. No surgical intervention was deemed necessary.
In a statement read to the court, the victim said the assault had a significant impact on his family, including his young daughter who saw his injured face. He was unable to eat solid food for six weeks and could not play rugby for his local side. He also suffered frequent headaches and now avoids going out, saying the incident had knocked his confidence.
Sentencing
Hopkins, of St David's Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea Valley, had previously pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. He has no previous convictions.
David Singh, for Hopkins, conceded the incident had been "an act of absolutely thuggery" and said his client realised he was in an "extremely precarious position" regarding a prison sentence. The barrister said Hopkins was "thoroughly embarrassed and ashamed" and that references showed a different side to the defendant. Hopkins and his family would be able to make £10,000 available if a compensation order was made.
Judge Paul Thomas KC said the "vicious" assault on a colleague meant the victim's daughter had to see her father "with his face smashed in". He described the attack as "as savage as it was cowardly".
Noting a "remarkable" number of character references, the judge said he was satisfied the incident was a one-off and there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. With a one-quarter discount for his guilty plea, Hopkins was sentenced to 30 months in prison suspended for three years, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and to abide by a nightly curfew for four months. He was also ordered to pay £10,000 compensation.
Judge Thomas noted that before the law changed in March this year, it would not have been possible to suspend a 30-month sentence. He told Hopkins: "You have had some remarkable good luck today - whether you deserve it or not."
