Carlisle, United Kingdom – The manager of a bar in Botchergate was left with a scar on his forehead after a violent attack by 24-year-old Lewis O’Neil. During the incident, O’Neil first used a bottle of Malibu and then a bottle of Heineken lager to assault the manager, who was left with a significant laceration on his forehead. O’Neil admitted to charges of actual bodily harm assault and affray in Carlisle Crown Court. The prosecutor, Brendan Burke, detailed the offenses committed by O’Neil during the early hours of April 1 last year.
O’Neil had knowingly entered the bar, despite being on a list of barred customers as part of the Pubwatch scheme. Upon being noticed by door staff, O’Neil attempted to hide in the men’s toilets but was ultimately removed from the premises. As he became “difficult,” the manager intervened to assist in O’Neil’s ejection from the bar.
During the altercation, O’Neil used both the Malibu and Heineken bottles to attack the manager, causing injuries including a laceration on his forehead and bruising above his right eye. The assault had a lasting impact on the manager, as he expressed feeling unsafe and on edge following the incident. The physical and emotional scars from the attack led to changes in his behavior and relationships.
In court, O’Neil’s defense attorney, Kim Whittlestone, cited the turbulent period in O’Neil’s life, including a relationship breakdown, as a contributing factor to his behavior. Despite acknowledging his poor handling of the breakup, O’Neil had since found employment as a highways worker and expressed remorse for his actions. In sentencing, Recorder Julian Shaw imposed a 20-month jail term suspended for two years, along with various rehabilitation and community service requirements.
The manager, who suffered from the assault, was awarded £250 in compensation from O’Neil. The incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent behavior and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.