Shropshire Star

Telford man denies assault that left victim needing 10 stitches

A man was left needing 10 stitches in his lip after a violent attack, a jury heard.

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Jamie Lewis, is accused of punching Oliver Norton several times, causing him actual bodily harm on October 18.

Lewis is also accused of intimidating Mr Norton and trying to persuade him not to give evidence and drop the charges on October 25.

The 24-year-old, of Spring Meadow, Telford, denies both the charges and is currently on trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Day one of the trial yesterday heard from the victim, Oliver Norton, who told the court: "I was punched a few times, it was pretty hard as it split my lip in half and I had bruising to the temple."

But the defendant claims he acted in self-defence by pushing Mr Norton away after he was hit and did not cause the injuries.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Gary Cook, told the jury: "On October 18 Mr Norton was home with his girlfriend when he heard his buzzer go. He looked outside and it was the defendant with some other men.

"They both knew each other as Mr Norton had previously worked for Lewis. Lewis wanted to know if Mr Norton would go for a drink with him. He agreed and went out.

"The group went to a nearby area for a drink. All seemed well until the defendant stood in front of Mr Norton and punched him hard on the lip. The impact was so hard it pushed him back. The defendant hit him again in the same place, and a third time on the temple."

Mr Cook said the pair then walked off in different directions. He told the jury that Mr Norton had to have 10 stitches in his lip.

The jury also heard that on October 25, Lewis had spoken to Mr Norton at a bus stop in Bridgnorth.

Mr Cook said: "Lewis asked Nr Norton why he called police and told him he had better drop the charges or otherwise he would do something worth being locked up for."

When asked about the incident at the bus stop, Mr Norton said he could not remember as he had a "bad memory" and had been drinking all day.

Defending barrister Michael Sherwood-Smith accused Mr Norton of being the main aggressor and throwing the first punch in the argument on October 18.

"No. I am the most un-violent person ever. I did not punch him. I wouldn't have phoned the police but my girlfriend did.

"I wanted to let bygones be bygones," Mr Norton said.

Mr Sherwood-Smith said: "The incident at the bus stop is an attempt to back up your case isn't it. "No," said Mr Norton. "I am sure Lewis was at the bus stop that day, I am not lying."

The trial continues.

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