Shrewsbury attack left man with fractured skull and brain bleed

Matthew King, 23, was given two years and nine months yesterday for the attack in Shrewsbury last October.

His victim, Fraser Rigby, was assaulted from behind, kicked in the head and knocked unconscious. He was left with a bleed on the brain and a fractured skull.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard King had met Hannah Mitchell and Mr Rigby in Source Bar in the town.

The court was told Miss Mitchell had been so offended by something King had done, she slapped him before he retaliated – hitting her in the face and causing her to bite the inside of her mouth.

His reaction was seen by others and a glass was thrown hitting King in the face.

He and the others were removed from the bar separately and the defendant was then treated for a cut by one of the door staff.

Speaking to King, Recorder Tracey Lloyd-Nesling said: "You were kept separate and being cared for by a member of door staff.

"You ran at the victim – Mr Rigby – who was speaking to another member of door staff.

"He had his back turned, it was a cowardly attack from behind."

King hit the victim in the head, knocking him to the ground, the court heard.

Mrs Lloyd-Nesling said: "You then kicked him in the head. That caused him to lose consciousness – observers thought he was dead."

Mr Rigby has since recovered but suffers from bad headaches and is unable to drive. He also suffers from fainting attacks.

Mr Phillip Clemo, defending, told the court King had suffered a "breakdown" during his time at university and had "never been quite the same since".

King, of Woodlands Drive, Hawarden, Deeside, Clwyd, admitted grievous bodily harm and assault.

He will serve half his sentence in custody with the remainder on licence.