TWO MEN found guilty of using threatening behaviour were sentenced by the District Judge in Llanelli on Thursday (Apr 14).
Grant Fulcher, 26, of Station Road, Ammanford, and Anthony Evans, 28, of New Road, both originally pleaded not guilty to charges of using threatening behaviour with the intent of provoking the use of violence.
However, magistrates found both men guilty on April 8 and sentencing had been adjourned to allow for reports from the probation service.
Prosecuting, Sian Vaughan explained that the charges related to an incident in the Square and Compass Pub, Ammanford, on February 2.
Of the four participants in the fight, one, a doorman, had pleaded guilty to the charge at the first opportunity, while another man had been acquitted by magistrates.
CCTV footage showed the doorman, who has subsequently lost his licence as a result of the incident, in discussion with Evans and another party.
However the situation escalated, and footage showed Evans kicking the doorman while he was on the floor.
At this point, other staff members were trying to separate the parties and encourage the three men to leave. However, Fulcher was seen to grab hold of a doorman and drag him into a lane outside the pub, where the situation continued to develop.
A glass collector who tried to intervene was bitten on the hand by Fulcher, leaving an open wound.
In mitigation, Kate Williams said that the initial incident had begun with the doorman and their friend, and that they had acted to defend themselves and their friend.
Representing the probation service, Tim Jenkins said that both Evans and Fulcher had no issues with alcohol or drugs, and described the offence as ‘a one-off where excessive force was used. He added that both men were of previous good character and were unlikely to reoffend.
Mr Jenkins also pointed out that imprisoning Fulcher, who runs an insurance call centre, would threaten the livelihoods of his staff.
District Judge Sophie Toms said that both men were ‘extremely fortunate not to have been charged with more serious matters’.
Evans and Fulcher were both given 16 week prison sentences, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work each.
In addition, Fulcher was ordered to pay compensation of £200 to the member of staff that he bit, and both men were told to contribute £300 to prosecution costs and pay a victim surcharge of £80.
Add Comment