Steven Brymer, 25, of Ambleside, Throckley, has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent after a bottle attack on a man in his 20s in Newcastle city centre. The assault occurred on Oxford Street at around 6pm on Friday, June 5. The victim, a suspected asylum seeker, required hospital treatment for cuts to his arms and head.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
During an appearance at Newcastle Crown Court via video-link from prison, Brymer entered his guilty plea. The court heard the offence was captured on CCTV. Judge Penny Moreland noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "I can see the defendant thought he had killed him. Why did he hand himself in for murder?" Brymer's father had taken him to a police station. Judge Moreland remarked, "It's just an odd feature of the case that he believed he had killed him."
Defence and Sentencing
John Wilkinson, defending, explained Brymer's actions were due to "what he had done, effectively." He added that Brymer has long-term mental health problems and requested a psychiatric report. Brymer was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on September 7. Judge Moreland warned him, "You understand, inevitably there will be a lengthy sentence of immediate custody in respect of this serious offence." Brymer replied, "Yes I understand."
Prosecution Details
During an earlier magistrates court appearance, prosecutor Chike Anieto said, "Police officers attended the location and saw the state of [the victim] and he was put in their vehicle and rushed to A&E. He [the victim] is a suspected asylum seeker but we're not sure."
