A 54-year-old man has been jailed after smashing a pint glass into a pub doorman’s face at the Front Room bar in Rhyl. 🍺⚖️
Mark Swann was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Mold Crown Court today for assault causing actual bodily harm, with a concurrent 12-month sentence for affray.
The court heard that door supervisor Eryl Hughes was attempting to remove a barred female customer from a private function on September 14 last year when the incident occurred. After Mr Hughes asked the woman to leave immediately, Swann approached the group, picked up a pint glass and smashed it on Mr Hughes’ head, causing cuts to his head and face. Flying glass also cut a woman’s arm.
His Honour Judge Niclas Parry described the attack as “cowardly,” noting that Mr Hughes – a public servant – was being held by another man when attacked. The judge added: “A child tried to pull you away, so you did not do what it was obvious what you intended to do, but you ignored her brave attempts.”
Defence barrister Richard Edwards told the court: “He cannot and does not seek to justify in any way his behaviour. He knows that it’s fortunate that the injuries sustained by the victim were not more serious.”
Mr Edwards said Swann had been “riddled with guilt” since the incident, with family members worried about changes in his behaviour, including not sleeping or eating properly. The court also heard Swann suffered a stroke eight years ago affecting his speech, leaving him frustrated and angry, alongside other health issues requiring regular blood transfusions.
Despite noting that the “overburdened prison system is screaming at courts to try to avoid jailing people if possible,” Judge Parry stated the offences were so serious that Swann, of Meredith Crescent in Rhyl, had to go into immediate custody.
