Young Man Avoids Prison After Biting Man in Restaurant

Case study summary

Client accused of assault after an argument in a restaurant. Pleaded guilty to injuring his girlfriend and biting another customer. He was at risk of prison so he retained us. We gave the judge detailed mitigation evidence and hired a top barrister. Outcome - suspended sentence.

Case study

Our client was a young man who was hard working and family orientated. He had suffered two family tragedies, but had moved to Manchester and met his girlfriend. They both agreed to celebrate recent career successes by eating out at a high end restaurant.

Unfortunately they both drank a lot of alcohol and a minor argument started between them in the restaurant This pointless argument between them escalated. He was accused of injuring his girlfriend by throwing a glass at her, followed by biting another customer's finger when he tried to intervene. Our client was later contacted by the police and was represented by a different firm in his interview. He was charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH), contrary to S.47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and the case went to court.

Our client accepted that things had got out of hand due to his alcohol consumption and he reacted badly. He had no previous convictions and was appalled to find himself in this situation. He pleaded guilty to all charges and the case proceeded to Manchester Crown Court for sentence.

We hand selected a specialist barrister to represent him in court and prepared extensive mitigation. We highlighted the difficulties he had faced during his life and his genuine remorse. The Judge accepted our mitigation and sentenced our client to a suspended sentence.

As a result, our client can return to work and move forward with his relationship and life. His life is no longer on hold and he can carry on without the stress and worry of prison.