Father Left Permanently Blind in One Eye After Brutal Night Out Attack
A father enjoying a night out in Warrington has been left permanently blind in one eye after being subjected to a ‘nasty and cowardly attack’. The incident occurred outside Block One nightclub on Bold Street in Warrington town center, where the victim, a 40-year-old celebrating with family and friends, was involved in an altercation that turned violent.
The attacker, Joshua Saxton, who had just turned 22 the day before his sentencing hearing, repeatedly punched the victim from behind, causing him to fall to the ground. Despite security staff giving chase, Saxton managed to flee the scene. The victim suffered life-altering injuries, including permanent blindness in his right eye, a fractured bone in his eye socket, dislocation, detachment, hemorrhage, lacerations, and a scar on his cheekbone.
The victim, who underwent emergency surgery following the attack, expressed in a statement read in court how the 13 stitches in his eye still cause him discomfort. His ability to perform daily activities like driving, shaving, and even placing a glass on the table has been severely impacted. Furthermore, his active lifestyle, which included cycling, football, and swimming, has been hindered by his injuries, affecting both his physical capabilities and enjoyment of these activities.
Subheadings:
The Attack: A Night of Celebration Turns Tragic
The Impact: A Life-Altering Injury and Financial Consequences
Legal Proceedings: Sentencing and Victim’s Response
The Attack: A Night of Celebration Turns Tragic
On the night of November 19, the victim, along with his family and friends, was on a celebratory night out in Warrington town center. An argument erupted between individuals outside the nightclub, leading the victim to intervene to protect his godson. However, Saxton, in a sudden and unprovoked attack, struck the victim multiple times while his back was turned, causing him to sustain severe injuries.
The CCTV footage presented in court captured the brutal assault, showing Saxton delivering punches in a ‘windmill type action’ as the victim attempted to walk away. The victim fell to the ground, and Saxton fled the scene, leaving the victim with life-changing injuries that have impacted his physical abilities and quality of life.
The Impact: A Life-Altering Injury and Financial Consequences
The victim’s injuries, particularly the permanent blindness in his right eye, have had a profound impact on his daily life. In addition to the physical pain and discomfort caused by the attack, the victim has had to close his business involving driving due to his impaired vision. This loss of income has forced him to rely on Universal Credit for financial support, adding further strain to his situation.
The victim’s statement highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of the attack, expressing how his confidence has been affected by the cosmetic damage to his eye and the scar on his cheekbone. Simple tasks that were once routine, such as shaving or engaging in physical activities, have become challenging due to his injuries, leading to a significant decline in his quality of life.
Legal Proceedings: Sentencing and Victim’s Response
During the sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, recorder Kevin Slack acknowledged the catastrophic impact of the attack on the victim, describing it as a life-changing event. Despite recognizing Saxton’s remorse and positive character traits, the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim led to a 10-month prison sentence for the defendant.
The victim and his family agreed to release edited CCTV footage to raise awareness of the consequences of assaults and excessive drinking. Senior crown prosecutor Callum Bryce emphasized the substantial impact of the attack on the victim and his family, urging for greater awareness of the dangers of alcohol-fueled violence.
In conclusion, the brutal attack on the father enjoying a night out in Warrington serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence. The victim’s life has been irrevocably changed by the injuries he suffered, highlighting the importance of promoting safe and responsible behavior in social settings. As the legal proceedings conclude, the victim’s resilience and the support of his family stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.