A 19-year-old has been sentenced to two years in a young offenders institution after a slingshot attack outside a fast-food restaurant left a man permanently blinded in one eye.
Confrontation Over Seagull Shooting Turns Violent
The incident occurred in November 2024 outside a McDonald's branch in Morecambe, Lancashire. James Bower, then 18, was seen pulling up in a white van and firing ball bearings from a catapult at seagulls. A 33-year-old man, who was outside the restaurant, confronted Bower, asking him how he would like it if someone did that to him.
An argument erupted, during which Bower claimed he was shooting at the birds to stop them from stealing his food. The victim then stood on a table, but Bower continued to fire the weapon. One projectile struck and shattered the restaurant window, while another hit the man directly in the eye.
Life-Altering Injuries and Courtroom Reaction
The victim suffered catastrophic injuries. He has lost all sight in the eye and is expected to undergo surgery to have it removed. The court heard he is currently unable to work and is uncertain about his future employment prospects.
Preston Crown Court was told that mobile phone footage captured Bower laughing in the aftermath of the attack. In a pre-sentence report, Bower, whose address was given as a traveller camp in North Yorkshire, stated he took offence at comments the victim made about his heritage.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Bower pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. Sentencing him, Recorder Emma Fisher acknowledged his unstable background and lack of education, which meant he did not anticipate the consequences of his actions.
However, she stated: 'You deliberately fired a projectile towards a person and that person has lost their sight and possibly their eye. One can only imagine how traumatic this has been for him.' She emphasised that 'actions have consequences' and that immediate custody was the only appropriate sentence.
Bower was sentenced to two years in a young offenders institution. Throughout the hearing, he sat with his head in his hands as his aunt sobbed from the public gallery.
