Yahoo News Friend 'protects woman's honour' in Grimsby bar by punching man who made comment about her
Violence flared at a Grimsby town centre bar when a man commented on the size of a woman's breasts.
A friend of the woman, Lewis Rokahr, 18, of Crescent Street, Grimsby, challenged the man about his misogynistic comment and punched him in the face. The man suffered two fractures of his jaw, which later had to be plated.
CCTV of the brawl was shown at Grimsby Crown Court, where Rokahr admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on the man on June 18, last year. Prosecuting, Michael Masson told how the confrontation started outside The Haven Arms, on Bethlehem Street, at around 8pm.
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After launching a punch at the man at the doorway, he was followed inside where he punched the man again repeatedly. The complainant was given shelter behind the bar by staff. He was ushered out of the bar by another door and went to find a taxi.
He was treated at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby and later underwent an operation to fix his broken jaw. Mr Masson said the hospital consultant expected the patient to make a satisfactory recovery.
When he was arrested and interviewed by police Rokahr claimed his actions were in self defence. "He accepted that the number of punches was excessive and that he should not have done it," said Mr Masson.
He added the victim had not supported the prosecution. Mr Masson said: "He does not want him to go to prison. He wants him to have a chance to learn from it." The injured man still has to see a dentist after his operation, the prosecutor added.
For Rokahr, Michael Forrest said his client, who works as a damp proofer, had been scarred by the incident and had not been out drinking since. Judge Richard Woolfall said: "It was unacceptable for the complainant to be saying the things that he said. There was an element of provocation." He told Rokahr: "You are responsible and mature for your age. But you have a while to go over matters of confrontation."
He added: "You took exception when he spoke about a female you were in company with. You were protecting her honour because she was your friend. He gave you the impression that he was up for a fight and you obliged." The judge said the violence inside the bar would have upset other customers.
"We watch things on TV where people fight, get up and dust themselves off. But in the real world, sometimes, people get punched, they fall over and crack their head and die," he said.
He imposed an 18-month community order and told Rokahr to do 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also attend 20 rehabilitation activity days to help with coping strategies. He must also pay £400 towards court costs.
