Man who kicked clubber three times in head while he was ‘out cold’ in Unit 17, Ipswich, is jailed

The attack happened at Unit 17 in Ipswich Picture: PHIL MORLEY (Image: Archant)

“It would send out completely the wrong message in this day and age if I didn’t pass an immediate prison sentence.

He said it was fortunate the victim of the attack hadn’t suffered more serious injuries as kicks to the head could cause brain damage and facial scarring.

“I sit here day in, day out seeing young men like you who drink too much and engage in violence causing untold misery to victims and their families,” said the judge.

“If the courts don’t make a stand no-one is able to,” he added.

Ramage, of Suckling Place, Woodton, Bungay, admitted assaulting Phillip Bowman causing him actual bodily harm on April 29 this year.

The court heard Mr Bowman was in Unit 17 nightclub in Ipswich when a doorman saw him fall to the ground and strike his head on a raised dance floor.

“He was unconscious and motionless on the floor and the defendant stood over him and kicked him three times to the head while he was out cold on the floor,” said Martin Ivory, prosecuting.

He said that Mr Bowman had woken up in hospital with a sore forehead, a swollen lip and a chipped tooth.

Gavin Burrell, for Ramage, said his client, who worked for a car dealership and had no previous convictions, was ashamed of his behaviour.

He said Ramage had been on the dance floor and claimed that Mr Bowman had bumped into him on a number of occasions.

Mr Burrell said Ramage had thrown a punch after Mr Bowman moved his head towards his head and he had kicked him because he rightly or wrongly thought he was holding something in his hand.

“He didn’t go out that night intending to get drunk and get involved in a fight,” said Mr Burrell.

He said Ramage had been helping to support his parents after his father had to stop working after becoming ill with sepsis.