A bouncer at a busy bar put a customer in a neck-lock before throwing him into the street, causing serious injuries, a court has heard. James Wood had only been working on the doors for a matter of weeks when he assaulted his victim, leaving him unconscious and bleeding on the floor.
Incident at Bonnie Rogues Bar
Samuel Jenkins, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that the incident happened at the Bonnie Rogues bar on Swansea's Wind Street just after 11pm on November 15 last year. Security staff intervened in a fight and began to escort a male towards the fire exit to eject him. The complainant followed, saying the man being ejected was a friend, but was told he would have to use the main entrance. He continued to try to use the fire exit, and a security member took his arm to lead him away. Wood then joined in, putting the man in a neck-lock and helping to take him to the main door.
The prosecutor said Wood was seen by other staff, including the manager, "swinging" the complainant and pushing him into the street, causing him to fall face down. The complainant was left unconscious and bleeding from a facial wound. When challenged, Wood replied, "I don't know my own strength."
Injuries and Impact
Police were called, and when the complainant came around, he tried to walk off but was dazed and confused. He was taken to Morriston Hospital, where medics found bruising around his eyes, a forehead wound, and damage to his front teeth. The next day, he returned home to Somerset but felt unwell and went to Musgrave Park Hospital in Taunton, where doctors noted three chipped teeth and advised a dental appointment.
In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said he had black eyes, a facial scar, and damaged teeth. He experienced sleepless nights and intrusive thoughts. He had been due to start work at M&S to pay off university debts but lost the job due to missing training sessions, and also had to miss his driving test.
Defendant's Background and Sentence
James Wood, 29, of Ilston Way, West Cross, Swansea, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He had no previous convictions. Vince Williams, defending, said Wood had written an apology letter expressing remorse. He noted Wood had only worked at Bonnie Rogues for weeks and lacked experience, and that he "completely overreacted."
Judge Paul Thomas KC told Wood that as bar security, his job was "to prevent trouble, not start it - to protect customers, not injure them." He described the assault as a "moment of madness" and accepted that the injuries "far exceeded" what was intended. The judge noted Wood has "anger management issues" from the incident and domestic-related police attendances, and told him to sort that out.
With a one-third discount for his guilty plea, Wood was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and 200 hours of unpaid work.
