A FORMER boxer from Aston Magna who almost blinded a man with a punch has escaped a jail sentence.

Andrew Taylor admitted punching Roy Wells outside the Windrush Social Club in Bourton, on October 14 last year.

The 20-year-old chef assaulted painter and decorater Mr Wells and admitted causing him actual bodily harm. He was sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for 18 months.

He was also placed on supervision for 18 months, ordered to attend a 28 session Aggression Replacement Training Programme and ordered to pay £1,000 to Mr Wells.

Crown Prosecutor Derek Ryder had told Gloucester Crown Court that both men had been with others at the Windrush Social Club and left together after drinking. One eye witness said that the two men were talking, joking and hugging each other before the situation turned violent.

Mr Ryder said that Mr Wells spent five days in hospital needing morphine for pain relief and was initially blinded by damage to the retina.

David Chidgey, defending said he acknowledged that it was a serious assault but he submitted there was some element of provocation.' He described Taylor as a useful member of society' who would benefit from help from the probation service.

5:00pm Friday 28th March 2008

Print

Email this