THIS is the face of a reveller who left a dad permanently blind in one eye through a ‘nasty and cowardly attack’ on a night out.
As previously reported, Joshua Saxton has been jailed after carrying out the brutal assault, before running away while his victim lay on the ground.
The sickening incident was caught on CCTV, with the victim and his family agreeing for it to be published to raise awareness of the dreadful consequences of assaults and drinking too much.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how, on November 19 last year, the 40-year-old victim was on a celebratory night out with family and friends in Warrington town centre, explained prosecutor Helen Chenery.
They were outside Block One nightclub on Bold Street at around 2am when an argument occurred between some people in the street.
The victim could be seen, on CCTV footage played in court, moving a woman away from the area of the disagreement, but moved towards it to assist his godson and ‘stop any further assault’.
However, Saxton can be seen throwing a punch at the peacemaker to the face, causing him to stumble.
Further punches are thrown by Saxton in a ‘windmill type action’, while the victim’s back is turned and he is walking away.
The complainant fell to the floor and the assailant can be seen running away from the scene with a member of security staff giving chase.
The 22-year-old, of Marron Avenue in Longford, was later arrested, charged with affray and jailed for 10 months.
The court heard that the victim suffered a ‘life-altering injury’ during the attack, as he is now permanently blind in his right eye.
He underwent emergency surgery in the hours that followed, which saved his eye but could not prevent his sight loss.
It was said that he also suffered a fracture to a bone in his eye socket, while elements of his eye suffered dislocation, detachment, haemorrhage and lacerations.
Senior crown prosecutor Callum Bryce added: “Joshua Saxton attacked his victim savagely, punching him repeatedly in a drunken rage, even when it was clear that he had suffered a serious injury and was not able to defend himself.
“The impact on the victim has been substantial. His family are devastated and are keen to highlight how alcohol can provoke situations that leave innocent bystanders badly affected.
“The CPS would like to thank the victim and his family for their co-operation in this prosecution and their dignity throughout.”
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