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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Jason Evans

Student accommodation officer bitten and punched as he tried to escort drunk visitor outside

A student accommodation officer was punched in the face and bitten as he tried to escort a rowdy visitor out of a block of flats, a court has heard.

A drunk Michael Matthews had gone to building to see his girlfriend but was then asked to leave because of his behaviour.

The 20-year-old then sank his teeth into his victim, leaving the man needing antibiotics and a tetanus jab.

Read more: See the latest cases from courts around Wales

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault took place at the Coppergate student accommodation block on The Kingsway in Swansea city centre on July 7 last year.

David Singh, prosecuting, said an intoxicated Matthews had gone to the building to see his girlfriend who lived in one of the flats. However the couple began arguing, and the defendant was asked to leave.

The court heard as the residence coordinator of the flats escorted the "aggressive" Matthews out of premises the defendant suddenly delivered two powerful punches to his face, and the two men ended up scuffling on the floor with Matthews continuing to kick out and punch at his victim as attempts were made to restrain him.

The prosecutor said Matthews then bit his victim near his shoulder causing pain which the man described as "like nothing I've felt before".

The staff member later went to hospital and was given antibiotics and a tetanus injection. In an impact statement read to the court the victim said the assault had knocked his confidence, and left him concerned that he would have a permanent scar.

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Michael Matthews, of Eggers Field, Bentley, Hampshire, had previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and to criminal damage - ripping his victim's T-shirt - when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He has no previous convictions.

Anthony O'Connell, for Matthews, said the defendant - who is now 21 - had come to Swansea to be with his partner but had since returned home to Hampshire. He said his client was remorseful for what had happened, and had now lost his good character as a result of his conviction. He added that Matthews was taking steps to address his "entrenched alcohol issues".

Judge Catherine Richards said Matthews had carried out an unprovoked assault while in drink but she said she was satisfied appropriate punishment could be carried out in the community and that there was a good prospect of rehabilitation in his case.

With a one-third discount for his guilty pleas Matthews was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and an alcohol abstinence programme. He must also pay his victim £500 in compensation.

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