Man jailed for ‘frenzied’ broken bottle attack in Cardiff

A man who used a smashed vodka bottle to repeatedly stab a homeless person in the face has been jailed for four years and six months.

Martin Hewings, 51, of no fixed abode, attacked Robert Proffitt in St Mary Street, Cardiff city centre, on September 7 after the pair had been arguing.

Newport Crown Court heard on Monday, November 24, that Hewings was caught on CCTV smashing the bottle over Mr Proffitt’s head, causing it to shatter. The assault continued shortly afterwards when Hewings used the broken bottle to “grind” it along his victim’s face before stabbing him to the face, neck and shoulder.

Mr Proffitt later described the incident as a “frenzied attack”.

The victim suffered deep cuts to his face, neck and shoulder, as well as fractures to his nose, jaw and eye socket. He is likely to be left with permanent scarring. Graphic photos of the injuries were shown to the court.

Hewings pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutor Heath Edwards told the court the defendant has previous convictions for offences including battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and wounding without intent.

In mitigation, Zoe Laugharne said her client is aware he faces a lengthy custodial sentence and has “taken steps to address his offending behaviour”. The father-of-five has taken part in the 12-step programme and has found cleaning work whilst in custody.

Sentencing, Judge Daniel Williams said: “It was a disgraceful incident.”

Hewings was also made subject to a restraining order for eight years.