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Man jailed for punching bouncer at Walmer Castle pub in Deal

06:00, 15 December 2020

updated: 13:52, 15 December 2020

A doorman who was left with a broken cheekbone after a violent attack has told how he was forced to quit after being haunted by pain and flashbacks.

Carl Saunders, 32, has been jailed after repeatedly punching Paul Newnham in the face during a binge at the Walmer Castle pub in Deal.

Carl Saunders was told it was a 'disgusting, vicious and drunken attack'. Picture: Facebook
Carl Saunders was told it was a 'disgusting, vicious and drunken attack'. Picture: Facebook

Mr Newnham hasn’t been able to work since the attack and can only eat soft food - he was also forced to move in with his parents.

He told Canterbury Crown Court he “wanted to see justice” and that “nobody really knows what (he) has been through” since the attack.

“Since the assault my life has consisted of medical appointments, days of pain, unemployment and fear,” he added.

The violence unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Eve 2019 after Saunders’ obnoxious behaviour came to bouncers’ attention.

Mr Newnham confronted Saunders who then grabbed him and rained two blows into the right side of his face, knocking him over head-first into a table.

The-father-of-two who admitted causing grievous bodily harm at a previous hearing, was jailed for 12 months.

Carl Saunders became violent during a night out on New Year's Eve in 2019. Picture: Facebook
Carl Saunders became violent during a night out on New Year's Eve in 2019. Picture: Facebook

Prosecutor John FitzGerald told the court the former bouncer will need a replacement jaw joint and ongoing medical attention.

But he told Mr Recorder Bate-Williams the attack didn’t fall into the highest category for seriousness given how severe GBH can often be.

Defence barrister Kerry Waite echoed the point, adding the attack wasn’t sustained and he pleaded guilty at an early opportunity.

He said his client recognises he has a drinking problem and has had the case hanging over him for a considerable amount of time.

“He has had to live with the prospect of this day - this has been a considerable source of anxiety and worry - the same applies to his children.

“Making arrangements for his business and his staff he comes here prepared for all contingencies,” he added.

Mr Recorder Bate-Williams told Saunders: “This is a disgusting, vicious and drunken attack on a man who was just doing his job.”

Dressed in a pink shirt and mask, his partner in the public gallery, Saunders, of Blenheim Road in Dover, appeared quiet and attentive throughout the hearing.

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