GBH denied after Harper Adams student badly injured
A boozed-up 22-year-old man who punched a fellow student at a bar at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire has gone on trial accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Daniel Balmer, of Gloucester, caused Rob-ert Simpson a fractured skull and loss of hearing in one ear for life, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard yesterday.
It happened at the university college in Edgmond, near Newport, in the early hours of October 1 last year.
Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the moment final year student Balmer, who denies inflicting GBH, punched Mr Simpson in the crowded student bar at least twice before fleeing.
The court heard Mr Simpson, who was knocked to the ground and banged his head, was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford for treatment and discharged after a couple of hours.
But he was re-admitted later on after experiencing drowsiness and dizzy spells.
Mr Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting, said Balmer, who has since graduated in off-road vehicle design, had consumed six pints of beer and some shorts that night.
Giving evidence, Balmer said he had never met the victim before and lashed out because he considered him a 'threat' after Mr Simpson had slapped him on the back as they tried to have a conversation in the noisy bar.
He said after he became aware of the extent of the injuries he contacted university officials, Mr Simpson and his mother to apologise and admit his involvement.
The trial continues.
