Jan 15 - Man On Trial Accused Of Breaking Woman’s Jaw
A 19-year-old man is on trial at the Supreme Court this week accused of causing grievous bodily harm after allegedly punching a woman in the face and leaving her with a broken jaw.
Leon Clinton, of Waterport Terraces, has maintained his innocence for one count of GBH for the incident which dates back to October 2016.
The complainant in the case said she was out celebrating Halloween with her friends when she headed down to the kiosk in Casemates Square to pick up food from a takeaway.
The jury heard how a brawl erupted among two groups of people and, once things had calmed down, the complainant tapped a man on the shoulder and told him to calm down and to leave it. It was then that she was allegedly punched in the face and was knocked out and left lying on the ground.
Her friend, who also gave evidence in the Supreme Court this afternoon, claimed the defendant went around and punched the complainant on the right side of the jaw.
When the complainant’s friend approached the defendant, he said: “You do not hit a girl, she was not involved.” He said the defendant allegedly replied with “She should have specified” before throwing a table and running off in the direction of Main Street.
The complainant said she did not realise the extent of her injuries until she was in hospital, adding that it has had a huge impact on her life, both physically and emotionally.
Another witness said he heard the punch land, describing it as if someone was punching meat or a sand bag. He added that the defendant’s demeanour could be described as “hyper aggressive”.
The trial continues tomorrow. It is being presided over by Puisne Judge Karen Ramagge Prescott, while Mark Clive Zammitt appears for the Crown and John Restano QC and Darren Martinez appear for the defendant.
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