By Man assaulted charged following ‘large-scale disturbance’
A man glassed in the face carried out an attack on one of the assailants outside in a street brawl, a court heard.
Colby McLaughlin, 23, of Alder View, Grimsby admitted assault on a man who had smashed a beer glass in his face when he was in the toilets, earlier in the night, at The Bank pub in Bethlehem Street, Grimsby on April 15.
McLaughlin had been released from prison five months prior after serving part of an eight-year sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent on a man in 2017.
Prosecuting Nadim Bashir told Grimsby Crown Court McLaughlin was released in October last year under supervision.
On April 15, Humberside Police were alerted to a large altercation spilled out on the street on Bethlehem Street, he said.
CCTV from the bar showed McLaughlin visiting the toilets where he was attacked by two men and had a glass smashed in his face.
Mr. Bashir said: “He was lucky not to lose sight in his right eye.” He went outside and waited for his girlfriend near a taxi rank.
Then, one of the attackers appeared and the violence continued. Mr. Bashir described it as “a large-scale disturbance.”
Police arrested him the next day following the man attending the hospital.
Representing McLaughlin, Craig Lowe said his client had made good progress after leaving prison.
He said the attack on his client was an unprovoked assault, involving a glass to his face.
“Half a centimetre lower and he would have lost his sight. He was shocked and deeply upset. He waited outside for his girlfriend,” said Mr. Lowe.
The hospital staff treated him with over 41 stitches to his face.
Mr. Lowe said his client, who works as a mechanic, had matured in prison and “came out a much better person and thereafter pursued a law-abiding life.”
The defence said McLaughlin was returned to prison on recall because of the incident outside The Bank pub last month, he had served five weeks in custody.
The decision of whether he will be released from serving the rest of his prison sentence, due to end in October 2025, will depend upon The Parole Board.
He added his client is in a new relationship. “He could not have done any more on his release to comply with his release conditions,” said Mr. Lowe.
He said the defendant had done what was expected of him on his release from prison.”I can’t condone what happened. This brawl in the street should never have happened. I am equally sympathetic to someone glassed in a toilet cubicle. There is nothing to suggest you started this affray. You were the victim. Your culpability is at the lowest level.”
The judge imposed a three-week jail sentence, which he has served on remand already and will await The Parole Board to decide when he can be released.
As McLaughlin was led away he appeared to thank the judge and said “top man” as he was led away by dock officers.
