Man jailed for punch which had '˜devastating consequences'

Benjamin Watkinson, 23, of Stanford Road, Brighton, was jailed for three and a half years, and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation.

He had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, and to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Today, Lewes Crown Court heard that the incident happened in June last year, when Watkinson and his friend Mr Robinson were on a night out in Burgess Hill.

Prosecutors say they had an argument with victims Mr Munawa and Mr Patel, but it ended without serious incident.

Later that evening they received a phonecall, telling them that Mr Robinson’s brother was in trouble and needed help.

While looking for him they saw Mr Munawa and Mr Patel.

The court was told that Watkinson confronted them and headbutted Mr Patel, who fell to the ground, then punched Mr Munawa, who fell and hit his head.

He was left in critical condition, and prosecutors said he is still unable to work or fulfil social obligations or family duties.

Mr McNally, representing Watkinson, said: “He asked [the victims] what had happened, and the reaction that he remembers as a denial prompted a completely unjustified reaction from him, and he makes no bones about it.”

He said it had been a ‘short, ill-tempered reaction with devastating consequences’, from a young man who had no previous convictions.

He added that, thanks to an offer of a loan from a relative, Watkinson was able to offer £2,000 compensation, although he accepted that this was insufficient.

Sentencing, Judge Charles Kemp said: “What you did that night was utterly appalling and abominable.

“Having reacted to this - as you and your friend saw it - plea for help, you sought out those two men and you attacked them.”

Judge Kemp said Mr Munawa had suffered a ‘life-altering injury’, adding: “I’ve read moving letters from his family as to how it has wreaked havoc on their lives.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes

3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.