Rhyl man jailed over violent attacks on five strangers

A 24-year-old has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for a string of unprovoked assaults that left one victim requiring permanent care and another fighting for his life.

Colin Campbell, of Gwynfryn Avenue, Rhyl, launched a series of attacks against five strangers between March and July 2025, several of which were committed while he was on police bail for earlier offences.

Sentencing Campbell at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday, Recorder Neil Owen-Casey branded him a “vicious animal” and told him it was “lucky” nobody had been killed. He said Campbell had caused “such devastation with your fists alone”.

Life-changing injuries

The worst consequences came from Campbell’s final assault on July 12, 2025, on Wellington Road in Rhyl. He approached a father-of-five and punched him once in the face, causing the man to fall and strike his head on the ground.

Police officers administered life-saving CPR at the scene before the victim was rushed for emergency brain surgery. He had sustained a fractured skull and extensive brain bleeds.

The man now needs permanent care and retains “little if any memory of his loved ones”. His family said the assault had destroyed his life.

A pattern of violence on bail

Prosecutor Elen Owen told the court that Campbell’s offending began on March 23, 2025, outside the Lorne Public House in Rhyl. A bystander who stepped in during an argument was knocked unconscious by a single punch from Campbell, suffering a fractured skull and two brain bleeds. His life was described as being “in the balance”.

Campbell was bailed but attacked again approximately a month later inside Tinkers Bar in Rhyl, striking a man “from nowhere” and fracturing his jaw, eye socket, and cheekbone. That victim has since been left with lasting sight and hearing difficulties.

On May 3, 2025, in the early hours of the morning, Campbell confronted a stranger in Chester and told him: “I’m going to fight you.” He headbutted the man before punching a member of door staff who tried to intervene, damaging his teeth. Campbell was arrested and bailed once more.

Charges and mitigation

Campbell pleaded guilty to section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, section 20 wounding, and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was convicted after a separate trial in connection with the July attack. The court was told he had a history of previous convictions for violence.

Defence barrister Sarah Yates said Campbell had endured a “chaotic” upbringing and suffered from mental health problems and ADHD, which had caused him to act impulsively.

Passing sentence, Recorder Owen-Casey described Campbell as “selfish” and “aggressive”, and said his offending had been fuelled by alcohol. He told Campbell that his insight into his actions had “come far too late” to prevent the life-altering injuries inflicted on his victims.