“It is a real risk you take, when you punch someone in the head”

Monday 07 June 2021

A 37-year-old punched another woman in the face after getting into an altercation at the North Plantation.

Helen Bowden said she acted out of character while “seeing red” when she assaulted another woman outside the Randy Paddle.

At 02:15 on 13 December, Bowden got involved with an altercation involving one member of her social group and two other women.

CCTV footage caught the incident in full, which saw an argument escalating into a physical assault, during which Bowden punched a woman several times, including once in the head.

Pictured: Bowden originally argued self-defence before eventually pleading guilty to assault in the North Plantation.

The victim sustained bruises, scratches and swelling on her arms and legs. She required hospital treatment for her injuries.

Bowden accepted responsibility for the blow to the head, but denied that she was culpable for all of the injuries, as other people had been involved in the fight. 

Defence Advocate Sam Steel said Bowden hasn’t drunk alcohol since and was apologetic immediately after the assault.

Judge Gary Perry emphasised the damage that can be caused by a blow to the head during his sentencing remarks. “It is a real risk you take, when you punch someone in the head,” he said.

Bowden was sentenced to 100 hours community service and was ordered to pay the victim £400 in compensation.