Nov 30 - Man Jailed For Serious Casino Assault
A UK rugby player who head-butted and punched another man leaving him unconscious and in need of intensive care was today jailed for 20 months.
Tyson Evans Peters, a 23-year-old unemployed British national who lives in La Linea, pleaded guilty to one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm after he admitted attacking another man in the early hours of 18th July this year. Peters had only moved to Spain a month before the incident.
The incident took place on the Casino deck of the Sunborn floating hotel in Ocean Village at around 2am. Peters head-butted and punched the victim after a brief altercation. The victim, who became unsteady after the assault, fell backwards hitting his head on a nearby table.
Peters left the scene but was later stopped by security guards by the sundial roundabout. He is reported to have said: “I thought he was going to hit me so I hit him first.” Peters was arrested, charged and has been on remand since the incident.
The victim was taken to St Bernard’s Hospital and Algeciras for further investigation of his injuries. A scan revealed that Peters’ attack had caused an aneurysm and he was taken to Xanit hospital and placed in intensive care.
Appearing for the defendant, Charles Bonfante said that, in mitigation, his client’s attack had been a “short, uncharacteristic, unpremeditated outburst.” He stressed that Peters had expressed remorse and was of previously good character.
In sentencing, the Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said the victim had suffered serious injuries. He added that, in cases of this nature, while there is no intention on behalf of the defendant to cause such harm, the consequences of such harm can still be life-changing for the victim.
He sentenced Peters to a total of 20 months in jail with the time served while on remand to be taken into account.
Cecile Gomez appeared for the Crown.
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