Attack on ‘wrong bouncer’ lands man in prison WOMAN NEEDED 30 STITCHES
AFTER SHOCK PUB ASSAULT
A MAN struck a pub bouncer in the face with a set of keys, leaving her needing 30 stitches.
But the attack was a case of mistaken identity, a court heard.
Lee Briggs was jailed for six years for grievous bodily harm after being recruited by his friend Robert Watson to carry out the assault at the Newcastle Arms pub, Nuthall Road, Aspley.
Earlier that night, Watson spat at the woman on the door after she refused him entry. She knew his ex-girlfriend was inside on November 11, 2018, and she stopped him entering because she was concerned about problems in the relationship.
Gareth Gimson, prosecuting at Nottingham Crown Court, said Watson was calm at first but became more agitated and spat in her face.
He left and went to the Moon and Stars pub in Bulwell, where Briggs had been since 3pm.
Mr Gimson said: “He sought out Briggs in the pub. He asked Briggs to step to one side to talk privately and so they did for quite some seconds.
“The Crown’s position is that conversation was that Watson was not only encouraging and assisting but recruiting Briggs.”
But there were two women working that night – the one who knew Watson and the second who Briggs attacked by mistake.
Briggs arrived by taxi and delivered one blow to the bouncer’s face.
He walked straight past her and out of the pub to the waiting taxi and back to the Moon and Stars pub.
The woman who was injured said in a statement she was “simply doing her job”. She had previously felt confident in the role she was doing but became fearful and left and to take up a job in an office.
Her colleague said she felt guilty over the fact she had been assaulted when she knew she herself was the intended victim.
Gregor Purcell, representing Briggs, said: “This was a sadly clumsy effort to take part in, albeit encouraged, an illconceived, badly executed enterprise.”
Briggs, 35, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
He also admitted stealing two cars in separate offences, and driving whilst disqualified.
On top the six-year jail sentence, he received nine months consecutively for one of the thefts and lesser concurrent sentences. He was disqualified from driving for six years and five months.
Watson, 42, of Oakleigh Street, Bulwell, pleaded guilty to common assault and received three months with another 18 months consecutively for an offence of encouraging an offender. The total 21-month term was suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to do 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Both men were handed a restraining order not to contact both women or go to the Newcastle Arms.