Reveller jailed after glassing

A DRUNKEN reveller is on his way to jail today after smashing a glass over another clubber's head.

Ipswich Crown Court heard how James Parker mounted an unprovoked assault during a boozy night out in Liquid Nightclub in November last year.

Clubber Neil Walby was left with a one and a half-inch cut behind his ear after the attack.

And Judge Mr Recorder John Wardlow said only Mr Walby's quick reactions in turning his head saved him from more serious injury.

Parker, 24, of Swaisland Road, Dartford, Kent, had come to Ipswich for a night out with fellow defendant Michael Adkins.

Both were found guilty at trial – Parker of unlawful wounding and Adkins of affray.

Mr Recorder Wardlow said Parker targetted Mr Walby partly because he was the tallest and best looking of his group.

He struck up a conversation with the man, pestering him until he became annoyed and then smashing a glass over his head without the slightest provocation.

In sentencing Parker to nine months, Mr Recorder Wardlow said: "You, Parker, picked up a glass and went for him.

"Fortunately he turned away and the injury was to the back of his head.

"The doormen acted quickly otherwise Lord knows what would have happened.

"The deliberate attempt to glass someone can only be met with custody."

John Caudle, mitigating, told the court the act was completely out of character.

He said Parker had a good job and a steady girlfriend and the risk of him re-offending was slim.

Joanne Eley, mitigating for Adkins, said her client had also made a success of his career – rising to the rank of chief reporter on a newspaper.

She argued a community penalty would be sufficient punishment.

And Mr Recorded Wardlow agreed, although he said only the prompt actions of door staff had prevented Adkins' aggressive demeanour degenerating into outright violence.

Adkins, 24, of Alfred Road, Dartford, Kent, was ordered to complete 100 hours community penalty and to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.