A man has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for a cowardly and unprovoked attack in which he stubbed a lit cigarette into the eye of a disabled man using a mobility scooter.
The Shocking Beer Garden Assault
The incident occurred at around 8pm on December 29, 2023, in the beer garden of a pub on South Street in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. David Brown, 40, launched himself at the victim, a man in his 30s, as soon as he entered the premises. Brown aggressively pushed the cigarette into the victim's face, specifically targeting his eye.
During the violent struggle, the victim was forced from his mobility scooter, and the pair scuffled on the floor. The attack was only halted when shocked fellow pubgoers intervened, rushing to the aid of the disabled man and keeping his assailant at bay until police could arrive.
Justice Served at Nottingham Crown Court
Despite denying the offence, David Brown, of Long Hill Rise in Hucknall, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial in October. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, November 28.
The court heard that the victim, who was already physically disabled from a previous workplace incident, suffered significant injuries to his right eye. He has reported ongoing eyesight problems that have necessitated repeated hospital treatment since the assault.
Lasting Impact on the Victim and His Family
In the wake of the attack, the emotional and physical toll on the victim has been profound. He no longer feels safe living in Hucknall. The repercussions have also extended to his family, with his parents suffering a considerable financial impact from taking time off work to care for their son.
Following the sentencing, PC Oskar Sereda of Nottinghamshire Police condemned the assault, stating: "It is difficult to imagine the pain he must have suffered during the incident and the emotional and physical impact upon him has been lasting." He also thanked the members of the public who came to the victim's aid during the terrifying ordeal.
