Pub assault leads to community service

Sunday 19 May 2019

A 37-year-old man has been given 160 hours of community service after he head-butted someone in the Ship and Crown pub.

Gavin Bougourd was on a night out in Town with his brother in December last year when he assaulted another man.

The defendant claims the victim had shouted verbal abuse at his brother. Bougourd then approached the complainant, who has been involved in recent family disputes, telling him to "wise up".

The conversation turned physical and Bougourd head-butted him with "force coming from his torso" before leaving the pub. Despite describing a feeling of dizziness, the victim did not sustain any lasting injuries and no medical treatment was needed.

Although he has a number of previous convictions to his name, Bougourd had not been involved with the criminal justice system for the last 13 years.

Hearing his mitigation, Judge Graeme McKerrel was told how Bougourd felt "gutted and embarrassed" about what he had done and that he has recently begun work as a full-time taxi driver, which he hoped to continue.

But Judge McKerrell said there was "absolutely no excuse" for what the defendant did: "It is that behaviour that puts decent, law-abiding citizens off going into Town on a Saturday night."

Taking into account Bougourd's long spell of general good character and glowing comments made by those who know him, the Judge decided on community service as a direct alternative to six months in prison. He also issued a compensation order of £500.

"You were close there Mr Bougourd. Very close," concluded Judge McKerrell. "You've had your chance. Not again."