Jail for attack on RAF man at Wolverhampton party

Jonathon Law needed to have a metal plate fitted in his cheek after being punched by Joseph Donnelly, of Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, on January 10 last year.

Donnelly, who had admitted a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm at an earlier hearing, was jailed for 24 months.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard Mr Law had been on leave last year and had been out with a friend when he was invited a party in Oxley, Wolverhampton.

Other people had turned up during the evening, including Donnelly, 23, of Browning Crescent.

During the evening both men had been in the kitchen and Donnelly had punched Mr Law to the right side of his face.

The firefighter had tried to get away first, running into the living room, but Donnelly had followed swinging punches.

The court was told 'a ruck' had then broken out and Mr Law had felt kicks and punches – although it could not be certain Donnelly was responsible for these.

Mr Law had eventually run up the stairs to take refuge in the bathroom, but his attacker had continued to follow shouting threats.

The court heard when Donnelly realised Mr Law was calling the police he had left the property.

He was detained by police a few streets away. A pot of paint had been upended on the stairs and Donnelly was covered in it.

Mr Law suffered injuries to his eye socket and cheek in the attack.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said: "Donnelly admitted the charge saying he was so drunk he did not remember it.

"Although Mr Law has now physically recovered from his injuries he still has flashbacks to what happened.

"This was a very serious attack."

Mr Oliver Woolhouse, defending, said: "My client is remorseful and said he would apologise to Mr Law in person if he could.

"He has no recollection of the offence."

Recorder Peter Cook said: "It was you which turned this situation to violence.

"You did not break off and continued to use violence towards your victim," he continued.