Bouncing attacker is jailed for assault
SHIRTLESS DAD THREW GLASS AT HIS VICTIM AFTER HE STRUCK HIM ON PUB DANCEFLOOR
A SHIRTLESS dad seen performing roly polys on a club dancefloor knocked a man unconscious before launching a glass at his head.
Mark Ward, 35, attacked the man at the Che Bar on Stockton’s High Street on February 26, 2022.
Teesside Crown Court heard a shirtless Ward could be seen ‘bouncing’ and performing forward rolls and handstands before the attack.
Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said the incident took place just after 10.30pm and said the defendant was not known to the victim, who has no recollection of the attack as he suffered memory loss as a result of it.
The incident was captured on Che Bar’s CCTV and showed the drunken defendant “jumping around” on the dancefloor. Mr Perks said: “He is bouncing, jumping around and performing burpees, forwards rolls, handstands and is repeatedly told to put his top on. There comes a point when the complainant is stood next to him. There doesn’t appear to be any interaction of note between the pair.
“The complainant is then struck with a blow by this defendant that appears to catch him on the left-hand side of his face. It’s a blow of such significance that he’s already unconscious before he hits the dance floor. Once he’s face down he’s approached by the defendant who swings a shod foot at him - it’s a deliberate attempt to kick him. He then throws a glass down onto the complaint’s head.”
The court heard Ward then started “beckoning” others to fight him before he was escorted him from the premises. He was arrested on April 6.
Mr Perks said the victim was treated for skull fractures, extensive bruising and swelling to the left side of his face, and a small wound to his left ear. In a victim impact statement, the man said
Mark Ward
he has suffered memory loss and no longer socialises like he used to.
He said: “I’m still getting headaches which can last for hours at a time. I don’t go out socialising like I used to. I used to go for meals with my wife but I don’t bother in case I bump into the person who assaulted me.
“I’m still on edge when I go out during the day and I try to stay in if I can.”
The court heard the Stockton defendant made no response in police interview but later pleaded guilty to Section 20 grievous bodily harm.
In mitigation, his barrister Nicci Horton said the defendant has struggled with the loss of a family member.
She said: “At that particular time of his life there were serious emotional issues he was going through including the loss of his uncle.”
Ward of Ingleton Road, has 37 convictions for 57 offences and was handed a 16-month prison sentence.
Addressing the defendant, recorder Kama Melly KC said: “You struck someone for no reason while they were trying to enjoy a night out.
“You struck them with such force that you fractured multiple bones in their face and skull and while rendered unconscious you, instead of trying to assist, went to both kick and throw down a glass.
“In my view justice can only be met with a sentence of immediate custody.”