Nightclub assault leads to 15 months in jail

Monday 20 June 2016

An apprentice carpenter who punched a fellow nightclubber has been jailed for 15 months after admitting assault.

The Royal Court heard how James Cameron attacked Harry Floyd, leaving the victim with a fractured nose and cuts, two days before last Christmas.

Cameron, 28, has numerous previous convictions for violence and was also sentenced to three years in jail for drugs offences. 

Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq told Cameron he must go to jail for 15 months as such behaviour would “not be tolerated.”

He added: “You are being sentenced for assault after having consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and you delivered a forceful punch to the face of the victim while holding a glass. Your victim suffered lacerations and a fractured nose and this assault has had an effect on him. 

“There is too much violence in Jersey involving alcohol and such matters can not be tolerated. Assaults where glasses are involved, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are particularly dangerous. The injuries of the victim could have been much more severe. 

“Your record is not a good one and it includes previous convictions for violence and although your remorse is genuine. You are sentenced to 15 months in prison.”

Cameron and the victim were unknown to each other at the time of the offence. After drinking large amounts of alcohol, Cameron attended the Tanguy’s nightclub in Mulcaster Street, St Helier, on December 23, 2015. 

The pair were on the dance floor when the victim tapped Cameron on the cheek, believing him to be a friend. 

Crown Advocate Matthew Maletroit said: “The defendant’s response was to punch the victim with his right hand. He was holding a glass in his right hand, which smashed when the punch landed. It is accepted by the Crown that although the punch was intentional, the use of the glass was not. It was not a deliberate ‘glassing’ incident.

“The victim attended hospital and suffered lacerations as well as a fractured nose. Attempts have been made to straighten the nose, but there remains a slight ridge to the right. The victim has also been left with a scar, although this is expected to heal.”

Police officers viewed CCTV footage from the nightclub and identified Cameron. They arrested him the following morning at his home address. 

Advocate Maletroit said: “The defendant was asked about the evening and said ‘I don’t remember anything because I don’t remember being in that part of town.’ He stated he had had a fair bit to drink. He was in fact highly intoxicated and a stranger suffered serious injuries.” 

Cameron’s record included 13 previous convictions, including two assaults and a conviction for drugs offences. 

Defending Advocate James Turnbull said: “There was no intention to use a glass but it was a foolish decision to over-react and punch the victim. 

“He is trying to turn his life around since leaving prison in 2014 and is in a stable relationship. She has been a stabilising force on him. Since this incident he has abstained from alcohol because he accepts that it has affected his decision-making processes.

“He pleaded guilty early on and co-operated fully with the police. He is remorseful for his actions. He is truly sorry for what he has done to the victim.”