The university career of a student has been severely disrupted after he was punched to the ground and hit his head on a night out in Cleethorpes, a court heard.
His attacker, 18-year-old Bailey McCabe, of Church Avenue, Humberston admitted wounding without intent in the violence on Cleethorpes High Street on February 18, last year. CCTV footage of McCabe bouncing around as if in a boxing ring before he launched a powerful blow, was shown at Grimsby Crown Court.
Prosecuting, Blaise Morris said McCabe had confronted his victim with “Do you know who I am? I have been fighting for 12 years.”
The prosecutor said the victim was visiting Cleethorpes to attend a 21st birthday celebration for a relative of his partner. They visited the Bobbin bar. When he saw that someone at the birthday party had been assaulted, the victim went looking to find out more about who was responsible.
“The next thing he knew was he was knocked to the floor and doesn’t remember anything after that. It was unprovoked,” said Mr Morris.
The CCTV also captured McCabe running away from the scene. However, he later voluntarily went to a police station after his older brother was considered for arrest during the police investigation.
Reading from the university student’s victim impact statement, Mr Morris said he had come to Cleethorpes to celebrate a birthday and ended up in hospital. He told how his studies and work placement had been disrupted. He was off work for two weeks.
He said he was on track for a First Class degree but had since suffered a drop in confidence due to feelings of anxiety. Letters of reference praising McCabe’s character were submitted by his defence barrister, Craig Lowe.
He said the victim’s head was stitched in hospital and he was later discharged. Mr Lowe said of his client: “He is still a young man. He is 18 years old. No weapon was used. It was impulsive, spontaneous and short-lived . There were only a couple of punches over a few seconds.”
He said his client works at a Morrisons warehouse and is employed through an agency. He said he hoped after 10 months he will be taken on as a staff member.
The defence barrister said alcohol had played a factor and his client promised never to get drunk again “It is clear he has learned his lesson,” said Mr Lowe.
References, including one from his former school principal, described him as respectful, polite, popular and motivated to do well.
Recorder Geraldine Kelly said it had been McCabe’s first night out since turning 18 years. “If ever there was proof of reaching the legal age for alcohol at 18 years does not equate to becoming an adult, it is this. You got yourself so intoxicated you did not know what you were doing. You were bouncing around, acting tough and ignoring those who were trying to keep the peace,” she said.
Recorder Kelly said the victim had every expectation of a peaceful happy evening in Cleethorpes. She said McCabe had spoiled that. “It could have been far worse for him and for worse for you. He was housebound for two weeks and the mental pain is long-lasting. I hope he can put the loss of confidence behind him,” the judge said.
She added: “There are consequences for punching innocent members of the public, a consequence custody.” She ordered six months in a Young Offender Institution be suspended for 18 months. McCabe was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 in compensation and £154 surcharge.