Driver jailed on assault charges

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Michael Bond admitted he started the violence after losing his temper following provocation by the victim, Allan Crawford.

Bond’s acquaintance Christopher Blackburn, with whom Bond had been drinking, also became involved but a judge suspended a 12-month jail term on him for 18 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 240 hours unpaid work and pay their victim £400 in compensation.

Blackburn, 26, of Loweswater Crescent, Haydock and Bond, 44,of Whitehouse Close, Haydock, both pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Ben Jones, prosecuting, told the court that the defendants spent the evening of October 6 last year drinking in the Owl’s Nest pub in Haydock watching the Wigan v Everton game with a mutual friend Patrick Storey.

In the early hours of the morning they went back to Mr Storey’s home along with Mr Crawford and after Mr Crawford “wound up” Bond he began punching him, knocking him to the floor and Blackburn joined in the attack.

The violence ended when Mr Storey intervened and the victim was taken to Whiston Hospital where it was found he had suffered a bi-lateral jaw fracture.

He was transferred to Fazakerley Hospital where he underwent surgery to insert titanium plates and he was detained for three days.

The court heard that Bond, who has previous convictions, has two dependent children. Blackburn, who is of effective good character, has a diploma in bricklaying and attends college as well as working.

David Potter, defending, said that character testimonials showed that he was a hard working polite young man. Blackburn was ashamed his actions had sullied his good character, Mr Potter added.