Sentenced for unprovoked assault

A 25-year-old man who punched a passer-by in an unprovoked attack has had a four month sentence suspended for 18 months.
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Aaron Pio Griffiths, of Glenowen Park, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on November 26, 2013.

Derry Magistrates Court heard that the injured party was assaulted at around midnight on William Street. He sustained a large wound above his right eye.

Griffiths approached the man and swung a punch in an unprovoked attack.

The court heard the injured party was ‘bleeding profusely’ after the assault and was ‘struggling to see’.

He attended hospital for treatment and the wound required two stitches.

During police interview the 25-year-old said he was angry after having an earlier argument with friends. However, he said he couldn’t remember the assault because everything was a blur’.

Suspending the jail term, District Judge Barney McElholm ordered Griffiths to pay £320 compensation to the injured party.