A dog walker punched a 17-year-old in the face and broke his jaw in 2 locations throughout an argument. It happened after he asked a group of teenagers who were camping for a can of alcohol and a cigarette.
Christopher Bolter, 43, of Nantyglo, Blaenau Gwent, attacked the teen in Brynmawr on August 7, 2020, after approaching the group while taking his dog for a walk. He was provided a can of cider however the environment altered and the offender started arguing with a woman in the group.
A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday heard a “scuffle” broke out in between Bolter and the lady and the which triggered the victim to action in and press the offender away. Describing the occurrence, district attorney Sophie Keegan said: “(Bolter) hooked him to the confront with his right-hand man at full blast and knocked him off his feet.”
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As an outcome of the attack, the victim suffered cuts and scratches and is glasses were knocked off. He called his dad and required to medical facility. He suffered a damaged jaw in 2 locations and concussion. His mouth was bleeding after the wire from his braces cut into his gums. The injuries needed surgical treatment and he required his food mixed for 4 to 6 weeks.
In a victim personal declaration, he said: “I hesitate of entering into Nantyglo and Brynmawr. I do not go out with my buddies typically and I am stressed over running into him. I hesitate of walking alone on the course where it occurred… I have problems he knocked all my teeth out and I can’t return to sleep.”
Bolter, of Brynawelon, went to a voluntary interview and said he had actually provided the group money to purchase more alcohol and confessed to pressing the victim, declaring he kicked his dog, however rejected attacking him. He later on pleaded guilty to an area 20 wounding/inflicting severe physical damage. The court heard he had 5 previous convictions, consisting of 2 battery.
In mitigation, Kevin Seal explained his customer as a “diligent man” who attends to his family, and he and his partner are getting wed in September. He said the offender wanted to apologise to the victim.
Recorder Simon Hughes sentenced Bolter to 12 months jail time suspended for 2 years. He purchased him to perform a 15 day rehab activity requirement, 150 hours overdue work and to pay settlement of £250. He was likewise made based on a limiting order for 5 years.
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