Man jailed for assault

39-year-old left victim with serious injuries to brain after attack

A north-east offshore worker who left a man with severe brain injuries following a city centre attack has been jailed.

Michael Geddes and his victim clashed outside Rusty’s bar in Newcastle’s Times Square during a night out last summer.

After an initial altercation, in which blows were directed at Geddes, he threw multiple punches at the man’s head, causing him to fall backwards and strike his head on the pavement.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the man suffered two skull fractures and bleeding on and around the brain.

Geddes, of Gairnshiel Avenue, Aberdeen, was jailed for 10 months after he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

Recorder Peter Hampton told the 39-year-old: “The courts have to send a message out that such violence is not acceptable.

“You are a hard worker and a family man and I’ve read character references and the letter that has been handed to me today, in which you offer your sincere apologies.

“It is with regret that I have reached the conclusion I can’t suspend the sentence.”

The court heard the victim had been out in the city drinking for nearly 12 hours when he encountered

Geddes at about 2.45am on July 7 last year.

Their paths crossed inside Rusty’s and then outside, with the victim suggesting Geddes had pushed him.

Prior to sentencing, Mr Hampton related the evidence, saying: “He came so close to you, your heads were touching and you pushed him away because you feared he would assault you.

“You headed out of the bar and it appears he came out after you. He was saying calm down and holding your clothing. He pushed you and he stumbled.

“You stumbled down some steps and were some distance apart.

“Then you made a serious mistake. Instead of walking away, you went back and put your arm to his chest.

“The complainant punched out at you, then you can be seen on CCTV throwing multiple punches towards his head.”

The judge said one of the punches caused the man to fall heavily to the ground, hitting his head.

The court heard the victim was left suffering migraines, is uneasy in unfamiliar crowds and has been suffering from panic attacks.

Jennifer Coxon, defending, said Geddes was acting in selfdefence during the initial altercation.

She added: “He has written a letter of apology.”

“You pushed him away as you feared he would assault you”

JAILED: Michael Geddes and his victim clashed outside Rusty’s bar in Newcastle