A MAN left a father in a critical condition in hospital after a single punch caused multiple bleeds on the brain, a fractured skull and eye sockets.
Michael Hitchings, aged 36, of Michael Crescent, Malvern, launched an unprovoked attack on Luke Davies outside the Lounge bar on Castle Street in Tredegar, South Wales.
Mr Davies was in a critical condition at the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran for 72 hours following the assault at around 8pm on Saturday, February 15 last year.
In a victim impact statement, read by prosecutor Charles Archer, he revealed: “My family were told to prepare for the worst as I might not make it.
Michael Hitchings was identified after Gwent Police launched a public appeal for information (Image: Gwent Police)
“My eyesight is not what it used to be and I no longer have 20/20 vision, my sense of smell and taste has been affected and I now have partial hearing in my left hear.
“It has seriously affected my mental health and I have cried myself to sleep.”
The assault happened after Mr Davies, aged 35, and an unnamed man were fighting each other outside the Lounge.
Hitchings first appeared as a “peacemaker” when he and fellow drinkers separated them, Cardiff Crown Court was told.
The defendant then tapped a window of the bar with a beer bottle and his brother Ashley Watkins came outside.
Hitchings handed the bottle to Mr Watkins before he punched Mr Davies in the face.
The victim was knocked unconscious and his head hit the floor.
Mr Archer said the case was aggravated by the fact the assault was fuelled by alcohol and that it happened in public at night.
Father-of-three Hitchings pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
Elin Morgan, representing him, said: “He has no previous convictions and is remorseful for his actions.”
The defendant looks after his mother who is undergoing cancer treatment.
He wasn’t in a good position to pay compensation, the court was told, because he is unemployed through his “anxiety” and claims universal credit.
The judge, Recorder Greg Bull KC, said: “You caused catastrophic injuries and Mr Davies still suffers the consequences of what you did.”
Taking into account Hitchings’ early guilty plea, the long delay in the police and CPS bringing the case to court, the defendant’s previous good character and the new sentencing guidelines, he suspended the prison sentence.
He was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years.
Hitchings will have to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and he was made the subject of a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
No order for costs or compensation was made because of the defendant’s means but he will have to pay a £187 surcharge.
