Student’s education ‘ruined’ by violent glass attack on night out

A university student said his education has been "ruined" by a violent attack during a city centre night out that left him needing 24 stitches to his face.

The victim, who was studying engineering at Sunderland University, suffered skull-deep woundto his forehead in a glass attack at a Newcastle bar.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the undergraduate was left afraid to go back to his studies and anxious about future nights out in case of further attacks.

He said in a victim statement: "This has ruined my education."

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby told the court the student had been out with pals in November 2018, and they met up with Mitchel Smails, who lashed out during a "monumental overreaction".

Mr Cleasby said: "There appears to have been a brief conversation between the two which led to a misunderstanding, which resulted in a really monumental overreaction by the defendant, who struck the complainant to the head with a glass that he was holding.

"The complainant said he had done nothing wrong at all.

"It was colossal overreaction on the part of the defendant."

The court heard Smails had believed the victim had put his head towards his face.

Smails told police when questioned he had believed the victim was being "confrontational" with him.

Smails, 20, of School Avenue, Dunston, Gateshead, admitted unlawful wounding.

Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced him to 19 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements and a six-month nighttime curfew.