Man Jailed For Nightclub Assault

A man has today been jailed for five years for an attack which caused another man to lose an eye.

25-year-old James Thompson from Westley Lane in Horringer in Suffolk assaulted his victim, Carl Warner, with a glass at Deja Vu nightclub in Bury St Edmunds on March 13th 2010. Both men were injured - Thompson suffering cuts to his hand and Mr Warner suffering serious wounds to his face. The 25-year-old lost the sight in his eye, and later had to have it removed.

Thompson was arrested after receiving hospital treatment, and on March 17th 2010 was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Thompson denied the charge at Ipswich Crown Court but last month was found guilty by a jury. Today he has been sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Investigating officer DC Mel Stammers said, "This was an horrific attack, in which two young men have had their lives changed in an instant. One lost his sight, and eventually his eye; the other has lost his freedom. The victim, Carl Warner, has suffered a great deal with the loss of his eye and lost the ability to pursue his love of playing football to a high standard. This will continue to affect him throughout his life. I hope that today's sentence brings him and his family some comfort.

I would like to thank those witnesses who came forward to assist the investigation, and the officers whose hard work, in initially challenging circumstances, has resulted in today's sentencing."

Licensing officer PC Gary Pinyoun added, "Suffolk Constabulary and our licensing partners have worked closely with Deja Vu since this incident 16 months ago. Staff at the club quickly intervened on the night and detained Thompson, and their accounts were vital in establishing what had happened and presenting this to the court.

As soon as it could, the club changed from using glasses to polycarbonates, which do not break or smash, and many other licensed premises in Bury St Edmunds have followed suit. This is proving valuable in preventing crime and disorder.

Fortunately an incident where such injuries are sustained is rare in Suffolk - we will continue to work with licensed premises to ensure they comply with their conditions and everyone can enjoy a safe night out in the county."