Two builders have been given suspended sentences after a man was left with a fractured skull, suffering several blows to the head in a pub car park fight.
Jordan Cooper, 27, of Moorland Road, Cimla, Neath Porth Talbot, and Rikki Griffiths, 29, of Dan Y Bryn, Tonna, Neath Port Talbot, both pleaded guilty to Section 20 GBH at a previous hearing.
On Friday 6th August 2021, they were sentenced at Winchester Crown Court to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 150 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation days and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to the victim.
On the evening of Wednesday 19th December 2018, the victim, who was staying at the Stonehenge Inn, Durrrington, was drinking with two friends and three men, including Cooper and Griffiths, who he had not met before that evening.
Shortly before midnight, a minor disorder occurred between the group outside the pub which was quickly diffused.
Five minutes later, the disorder continued, and the victim was dragged to the floor by Cooper before the two defendants were seen on CCTV kicking, stamping and punching the victim.
A kick by Griffiths to the victim’s head knocked him unconscious and he was rendered unable to defend himself as the assault continued.
Nearby residents attempted to step in to stop the attack and the men fled the scene, jumping into gardens on Stonehenge Road before being arrested later the same night.
The victim was taken to Southampton Hospital where he was treated for a fractured skull.
Det Con Dan Brewster of Op Fortitude said: “This quickly descended from a social drink into a violent attack where the two defendants completely lost control, kicking a man on the floor who was completely defenceless after being knocked unconscious.
“The victim is extremely lucky to be alive and will be living with the psychological effects of this incident for the rest of his life.
“Violent behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The pandemic has massively delayed proceedings, but I hope this sentence will now bring closure for the victim and he can move on with his life.”
Imagery by Wiltshire Police.
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