Attack left man unconscious outside The Lion pub in Newtown

Jamie Jones was given a 26-week custodial sentence which was suspended for 18 months after pleading guilty to assaulting Adam Williamson by causing actual bodily harm outside The Lion in Shortbridge Street on April 7, 2023.

The victim said the "harrowing attack" continues to impact his life and his loved ones, leaving him "haunted" by what had happened 16 months ago.

"I am incredibly fortunate to be alive and to be here for my family as it could have been tragically different," Mr Williamson said.

CCTV footage of the lead-up to the attack and the assault itself were shown at a sentencing hearing at Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 10. Jones held his face in his hands while details of the attack were shared in court.

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Prosecutor Helen Tench said police received a report at around 10.45pm that a man who had been knocked out on the floor was unresponsive but breathing.

"PC Williams said he was seconds away and saw a male outside the entrance with his face covered with blood. He was completely unresponsive but was breathing and could see the chest rising and falling but the victim was otherwise unconscious. The officer could see the left side of the face was already swollen and getting worse."

Town centre CCTV captured Jones and his friends making their way to The Castle Vaults in Broad Street where he was arrested.

A "very remorseful" Jones told police that he had "lost it" and that adrenaline had kicked in during the attack.

Gurleen Kaur, defending, told the court that The Lion was the first pub Jones and his friends visited in Newtown after drinking in Shrewsbury.

"They were stood at the bar minding their own business when the victim and his friends came over," Ms Kaur said.

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"There was an ongoing situation where the victim comes to the defendant and his friends and starts physically attacking them. The defendant repeatedly told the victim to 'please leave, stay away from us'. It does not stop the victim and his friends.

"A physical altercation occurs where the T-shirts of the defendant's friend and the victim are ripped. They are pulling each other's tops which has nothing to do with the defendant then they are seen pushing through the door.

"The defendant was trying to deescalate the situation and tried to remove himself from the premises.

"Outside the pub it was not the correct way to deal with the situation. He was trying the deescalate the situation inside the pub for five minutes.

"It was an impulsive decision fuelled by alcohol which he is remorseful for. It was completely out of character and not something he has ever been part of before or will be again. He is embarrassed by his actions.

"He's worked hard all of his life and worked extremely hard to get his position as a foreman."

Ms Kaur added: "My client appreciates that the injuries caused by the incident led to the victim unfortunately missing his daughter's fifth birthday party. The victim was the individual who initiated this incident and there seems to be partial disregard bringing this action forward."

Nerys Jones, chair of the magistrates’ bench, told Jones that he would not be sent to the crown court for sentencing because of his early guilty plea, previous good character and remorse.

Jones, of Gwern Helyg, Dolgellau, was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must also pay £200 to Mr Williamson, £85 prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge within 28 days.