An aggressive thug has been jailed after repeatedly punching a man in a pub, leaving him scared to enter Warrington. Mattheu Hopwood, of Hamilton Close in Latchford, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. The victim, who was on a date at a restaurant in Warrington, received a phone call from Hopwood at around 1pm on May 7. Following their conversation, the victim asked for the bill and left the restaurant. The date continued at The Wolves pub, now known as The Queens Wolf, where they met another man at around 6pm.
The group was seated outside in the pub’s courtyard on Orford Lane when Hopwood, aged 35, suddenly appeared and punched the victim in the head. Witnesses tried to intervene, but Hopwood continued to assault the victim. Eventually, the victim managed to escape inside the pub and sought medical attention the next day. He was diagnosed with multiple fractures to the right side of his face, near his eye socket and jaw. Hopwood was later arrested and questioned by police on May 23, during which he remained silent.
An impact statement read in court revealed that the victim had been deeply affected by the assault. He expressed fear of returning to Warrington to avoid further incidents and to steer clear of Hopwood’s associates. The victim’s injuries prevented him from working, leading to financial strain and job loss. Defense attorney Carmel Wild acknowledged Hopwood’s remorse for his actions, attributing the incident to feeling threatened and agitated on the day of the assault. Despite attempts to access therapy following his arrest, Hopwood was sentenced to 27 months in prison by Judge John McGarva.
Impact on the Victim
The assault at The Wolves pub had a profound impact on the victim, both physically and emotionally. Suffering multiple facial fractures required extensive medical treatment and resulted in the victim being unable to work. This loss of income, coupled with the emotional trauma of the attack, led to significant financial difficulties for the victim. Additionally, the fear instilled by the assault caused him to avoid returning to Warrington out of concern for his safety and well-being.
The victim’s inability to attend a friend’s funeral due to his injuries highlights the far-reaching consequences of the assault. The emotional toll of missing such an important event due to the actions of another person further underscores the severity of the situation. The victim’s statement expressing his avoidance of Warrington demonstrates the lasting impact of the assault on his sense of security and peace of mind.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the legal proceedings, prosecutor Joshua Gorst painted a vivid picture of the events leading up to the assault at The Wolves pub. The victim’s initial interaction with Hopwood, followed by the escalation of violence at the pub, highlighted the aggressive nature of the attack. Witnesses’ attempts to intervene and the victim’s escape into the pub underscored the severity of the assault and its impact on those present.
Hopwood’s lack of cooperation during police questioning further solidified his role as the aggressor in the situation. Despite attempts by his defense attorney to frame his actions as a response to feeling threatened, the court ultimately held him accountable for his violent behavior. Judge John McGarva’s sentencing remarks emphasized the seriousness of the assault and the need to protect the public from individuals like Hopwood, who posed a significant risk.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
In the aftermath of the assault, the victim faced a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. The extensive medical treatment required for his facial fractures necessitated a period of healing and rehabilitation. The financial strain resulting from his inability to work added another layer of challenge to his recovery process. Despite these obstacles, the victim’s resilience and determination to move forward were evident in his decision to seek medical attention and pursue legal action against his assailant.
Hopwood’s attempts to access therapy following his arrest reflected a recognition of the need for rehabilitation and personal growth. While his remorse was acknowledged by his defense attorney, the court’s decision to impose a 27-month prison sentence underscored the gravity of his actions and the need for accountability. The victim’s courage in facing his attacker in court and seeking justice served as a testament to his strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the assault at The Wolves pub in Warrington had far-reaching consequences for the victim and highlighted the need for justice and accountability in cases of violence. The legal proceedings and sentencing of Mattheu Hopwood underscored the seriousness of the assault and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The victim’s recovery and rehabilitation process served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of those who endure trauma and strive to rebuild their lives.
