LAUGHING THUG LEFT MAN WITH BRAIN BLEED
Medics had to remove part of his victim’s skull after 20-punch attack:
AN “UNPROVOKED” attack by an alcoholic who laughed as he punched a man in the head “20 times” led to the victim suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Joseph Sean Ryan was jailed for two and a half years yesterday after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm.
The 32-year-old had been drinking when he repeatedly punched Paul Jones, 47, following an argument at the home of a mutual friend in Plas Llwyd, Bangor, on December 18 last year.
An eyewitness described how he was “jabbing” the victim to his head, estimating he landed 20 punches before finally ending the ordeal. Ryan, of Troed y Felin, Ty Croes, Anglesey, was arrested the following day.
Mr Jones suffered a swollen eye and bruising, and was admitted to hospital on December 20 after having several fits.
A CT scan revealed he had a brain haemorrhage, and he had surgery to remove part of his skull to relieve the swelling and pressure.
Caernarfon Crown Court heard Ryan has 44 convictions to his name and 71 offences, including robbery, battery, threatening behaviour and actual bodily harm.
His latest act also breached a community order for threatening staff at a tattoo parlour in Holyhead on November 20.
Defending barrister Sion ap Mihangel conceded his client, who appeared in court via video link from Altcourse Prison, Liverpool, faced a further custodial sentence, but asked the judge to take into account his early guilty plea.
He said “abuse of alcohol is his underlying problem”, adding: “An entrenched addiction to alcohol means this will continue to be a recurring problem until it is solved.
“He has been working as a fencer in custody and his period in Altcourse has been beneficial. Maybe time in custody will help him recover from his alcoholism.”
Judge Rhys Rowlands described Ryan’s actions as “an unprovoked, drunken attack” and made him subject to a restraining order barring him from entering Plas Llwyd or from approaching the victim or witnesses.