“I seem to be dealing with a lot of these at the moment” - Judge slams nightlife violence

Monday 18 January 2021

Two young men have been sentenced for two separate violent assaults in St Peter Port, adding to a series of violent episodes in and around the North Plantation and Le Pollet.

Alcohol was once again an aggravating factor, with one of the defendants reportedly not even remembering what he did.

“I don’t know if there is a rise in violence, but I seem to be dealing with a lot of violent incidents at the moment,” said Judge Graeme McKerrell during a busy morning in the Magistrates’ Court. 

The Express reported on several assaults in Le Pollet and the North Plantation during 2020, while witness appeals in recent weeks have revealed further incidents, including one that saw the victim flown to the UK for treatment to severe facial injuries. 

Pictured: “Brawls in public places are unpleasant,” said Judge McKerrell.

Kieran Fletcher, 22, appeared on remand after having broken his bail restrictions. On 19 July last year, Fletcher left Lunar nightclub at 01:00 and was seen in a verbal exchange with the victim in Le Pollet.

He was then caught on CCTV headbutting the victim, who suffered a splintered tooth and dental work. Fletcher had already been fined £1,000 for vandalising public toilets as well.

Fletcher initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, saying he couldn’t remember what had happened and relying on what others had told him. Judge McKerrell said the sentence must reflect the seriousness of the crime. 

“Headbutting means you go straight to jail. Do not pass GO, do not collect £200,” said Judge McKerrell in his closing remarks.

Fletcher was sentenced to three months in prison as part of a combination sentence. 

Pictured: Part of Fletcher’s combination sentence was three months in Les Nicolles.

Jonathan Skillet, 20, followed Fletcher into court for assaulting a man at the North Plantation on 11 October. 

Skillet approached the man, who was sitting with his girlfriend, and after a brief exchange he got into a scuffle, repeatedly punching the man in the side of the head and kneeing him in the stomach.

Once again, the entire incident was caught on CCTV. Skillet was sentenced to 90 hours community service and forced to pay £200 compensation to the victim.