Man attacks pub customer in row over football

A man attacked another customer both inside and outside a pub following a dispute over football. Gary Richardson had been drinking at the Market Tavern in Amlwch on December 30, 2021, while another man named Dion Edwards was also present, enjoying drinks while watching football.

Caernarfon Crown Court heard the defendant was nearing the end of a suspended sentence when he committed the assaults. Prosecutor Christopher Field explained that Mr Edwards was "bantering" with others, including Richardson, when Richardson approached and punched Mr Edwards on the left cheek.

Mr Field added that the victim, not wishing to engage in a fight, stepped outside for a cigarette. However, Richardson followed and became aggressive towards Mr Edwards outside the establishment, punching him a second time, this time on the chin. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here

Read more: 'Professional but not very successful' burglar sent back to prison again

Read more: Baby mauled by pocket bully dog in 'tragic accident'

The incident outside the pub was recorded on a council CCTV camera and the footage was shown in court. Richardson, from Lon Coedana, Coedana, Llannerch-y-Medd, was charged and admitted to two counts of assault by beating.

Richard Edwards, defending, said that there had been a disagreement over football. His client acknowledges that his behaviour was foolish, he added. He said Richardson acknowledges that alcohol was the issue and has taken measures to get an implant to deter himself from drinking.

The barrister stated that the plasterer had been three months away from completing a suspended sentence when he committed the assaults but argued he was on the "cusp of custody". However, Judge Recorder Wyn Lloyd Jones said he would be failing in his duties if he did not jail Richardson him for his most recent offences. The 38-year-old was handed down sentences amounting to 16 months imprisonment.

The judge told the defendant his drinking was excessive and that his behaviour was "disgusting behaviour", adding: "The injuries could have been worse." "They were certainly unpleasant - he did not deserve them," he said. The court heard Richardson has a "very bad" criminal record including for an offence of violence, and that he had squandered opportunities given to him by previous courts.

The judge said he had committed the assaults while serving a 23-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, for a prior offence. He had to enforce part of that sentence today, he said.

Richardson was sentenced to 12 months, out of the 23 month suspended sentence, and four months for each assault, with one term running concurrently. The total prison sentence was 16 months.

The judge told the defendant in the dock: "You've got to completely stop drinking because if you don't you're bringing all this upon yourself, your family and members of the public who don't want to be victims."