Man who attacked another "didn't realise he was holding glass"

Sunday 04 February 2024

A 19-year-old attacked another man with a glass – but claimed he did not realise he was holding it at the time.

Connor Jay Le Breton admitted the charge of grave and criminal assault.

The Magistrate's Court also heard that he was under a binding over order at the time of the attack for a breach of the peace, malicious damage and being drunk and disorderly three months earlier.

Legal Adviser Francis Burak said the attack had taken place in Chambers in Mulcaster Street on the evening of 15 September, after Le Breton got into an argument with another customer.

CCTV footage seen in court showed the two men shoving each other before being separated by staff.

Pictured: The case was heard in the Magistrate's Court.

Mr Burak said that Le Breton then attacked the other man, hitting him in the face with the glass in his left hand. A photo of the victim with multiple cuts, bruises and abrasions all over the right side of his face was also shown in court.

Advocate Estelle Burns pointed out that Le Breton had pleaded guilty early and said: “When he struck the victim he did not at the time appreciate that the glass was in his left hand.

“He is genuinely thankful that the injuries are not lasting, and says he wishes he could turn the clock back.” 

Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz said she was sparing him custody due to his youth and early guilty plea. She instead imposed 120 hours of community service and a nine-month probation order, and ordered him to pay the victim £500 in compensation.

She told him: “If you were older you would be at risk of being dealt with by the Royal Court.

"I do hope it is the case that we shall never see you in court again.”