A son kicked a man in the head with a shod foot as the victim was fighting with his father. The attack was caught on film with a woman heard repeatedly shouting "Oh my God" in the background.
David Hathaway, 32, of Blaina, became involved in an altercation with Layton Gray who was taken to the floor by the defendant's father, in Brynmawr on July 18, 2021. A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Wednesday heard the son and father had been in a pub having played a game of golf when they became involved in an argument with the victim.
Mobile phone footage of the attack was played which showed Hathaway approaching the fight and kicking Mr Gray in the head before punching him, which caused the victim to lost consciousness and tenderness to his jaw. The defendant, of Abertillery Road, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard he was of previous good character.
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In a victim personal statement read out the court, Mr Gray said: "Since this incident happened I have not been myself. I am not anywhere near the person I used to be. I had contact with a doctor and I having difficulty with my memory. I see people when I am out and I can't remember their names or faces. I have always struggled with anxiety but it has worsened and I needed to be put on stronger medication.
"I am having really bad flashbacks and wake up in the middle of the night and break out in a sweat. My girlfriend is seven-months pregnant and it has put a strain on our relationship. It has affected work and I am unable to concentrate properly. I am close to losing my job because I am missing days in work and I am constantly on edge. The incident has changed my life and will have an effect on the rest of my life."
In mitigation, David Elias KC said his client didn't accept he was drunk but conceded his behaviour was "well over the top", but he was "coming to the aid" of his father. He said the defendant had a stable relationship and earns good money.
Recorder Carl Harrison sentenced Hathaway to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement and to pay Mr Gray £500 in compensation.
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