Man fractures rival’s skull after punching him in jealous rage
VICTIM HIT HIS HEAD ON THE PAVEMENT OUTSIDE HOTEL
A MAN who punched his victim outside a hotel and fractured his skull after his head hit the pavement has been spared jail.
Daniel Drury, 29, had been on a night out at the Royal Hotel in Aire Street, Goole when he attacked his victim during a row involving his girlfriend in the early hours of February 9.
The victim fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement, causing a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull and bruising.
Drury, of Salisbury Avenue, Goole appeared before Hull Crown Court on Friday, May 10, for sentencing after pleading guilty to the offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The court heard that the blow that knocked the victim unconscious was not the only punch that Drury had thrown that night.
Prosecuting barrister Stephen Welch said: “The defendant first approached him [the victim] and punched him to the back of the head before punching him more. Other people intervened and Mr Drury was pulled away and led out.
“Outside, the victim asked why he hit him and another male intervened to prevent the defendant getting to the complainant.
“The defendant swung a punch at the victim before walking off. Mr Drury returned to the premises where he was approached by a male who tried to get him to leave.
“He punched the victim who fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement.”
The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries and given painkillers.
When interviewed by police Drury gave no comment during interview, but pleaded guilty when he was brought up before Hull Magistrates’ Court.
A victim impact statement was not completed for police, leaving the court to assume he made a full recovery.
Drury was “lucky” his actions did not cause any more serious harm to the victim, said Recorder Maria Karaiskos.
She said: “You were drunk, aggressive and violent and you completely lost your temper. You struck out because you were jealous of something you thought he was doing with your girlfriend.
“One punch can cause catastrophic injuries, including death. There is no excuse for that level of violence. You are 29 years of age, a father of two children. That is not how you should be behaving.
“You are lucky that the injuries are not more significant because they could have been.”
Drury has eight previous convictions, most of which took place during his youth, including actual bodily harm in which he received a community punishment order.
His defence barrister Kylie Peach, said Drury is remorseful for his actions and hopes to live a “stable life surrounded by his family” where he can be a “role model” for his two children.
She said: “On the evening he lost control and he has let himself down. He has embarrassed himself and his family and offers his sincere apologies to the complainant.” Recorder Karaiskos was convinced to not hand an immediate custodial sentence to Drury.
She said: “I take into account everything that has been said on your behalf. It is clear you are quite remorseful and sorry for what you did.
“Given everything I have read and everything I have heard, I am just persuaded in giving a suspended sentence in this case.”
Drury was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He will be entered into a rehabilitation activity programme for 30 days to help deal with his temper and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
A two-month curfew has been put in place preventing Drury from leaving his home between the hours of 9pm and 6am. He must also pay £200 in compensation to the victim.
One punch can cause catastrophic injuries, including death. There is no excuse for that level of violence Recorder Maria Karaiskos