Bystander's jaw broken in pub fight

FORTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Mark Howell broke a man's jaw outside a pub after his brother was attacked with a hammer.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard yesterday the victim Carl Lane was an innocent bystander who acted as a peacemaker.

Prosecutor Robert Price told the court Mr Lane became aware there had been a disturbance in the smoking area at The Beverley pub in Bentilee at about 11pm on October 11 last year.

"He saw a man on the floor covered in blood, which came from a facial wound," said Mr Price.

"The defendant appeared. He was wound up and absolutely livid.

"Mr Lane did not know him.

"Howell was demanding to know who had hurt his brother.

"Someone said a man called Jackson knew about it.

"Howell squared up to Mr Jackson.

"Mr Lane tried to pacify the defendant who punched him once in the face.

"He felt his jaw crack and was taken to hospital where he was examined and treated."

Mr Lane had a metal plate fixed in his fractured jaw with screws. He also had a wisdom tooth removed and was unable to eat properly for six weeks.

Howell, of Kempthorne Road, Hanley, was arrested on December 4. He told police, he didn't see the assault on his brother and was hit in the face when he went outside. He was dazed and threw a punch back. He said he saw Mr Lane shouting something and standing close to him.

Howell pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on the basis his brother was attacked with a hammer and he was assaulted himself. He said he struck out instead of finding out what had happened.

Nick Tatlow, defending, said Howell understands Mr Lane was an "entirely innocent victim."

He said Howell is genuinely remorseful and added that Howell has been drug-free for some time and has been making good progress.

Judge Granville Styler sentenced Howell to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, with 200 hours' unpaid work. He must also play his victim £2,000 compensation.

The judge told Howell: "This is a very serious matter. You attacked somebody who was trying to be a peacemaker. I am going to suspend the sentence because you were man enough to admit what you had done to the police.

" I believe you are genuinely remorseful. I do not believe you are a violent person at heart."

"You have made an effort to turn your life around. You need to drink less and get on with your life."