Liverpool, England – A violent attack at The Brookhouse pub on Smithdown Road has resulted in 21-year-old Shyun Patel being struck with a bottle by a football fan in September 2023. Mark Nolan, the assailant, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for the incident which caused severe injuries to the dentistry student.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Patel suffered major injuries including a fractured cheekbone and a laceration on his head following the attack. The assault left a lasting impact on Patel’s life, leading to the need for cosmetic surgery to address the facial scarring caused by the incident.
CCTV footage from the pub captured the altercation between Patel, Nolan, and Nolan’s cousin Raymond Perry. The confrontation escalated after Perry was accused of inappropriately touching a female student in the group with which Patel was present. Perry’s actions led to a series of violent events that culminated in Patel being struck with a bottle.
Following the attack, Nolan and Perry continued their aggressive behavior by hurling a barstool towards the injured student as he attempted to leave the premises. Subsequently, another unidentified man targeted Patel and his group, further escalating the violent situation.
In his statement to the court, Patel described the incident as a traumatic experience that has forever altered his perception of safety and security. He emphasized the need for accountability for the actions of Nolan and Perry, highlighting the potential life-threatening consequences of the attack.
Despite claims of self-defense, Perry admitted to escalating the situation by throwing a chair in the heat of the moment. Nolan, with a history of previous convictions, was found guilty of wounding with intent and sentenced to five and a half years in prison. Perry pleaded guilty to affray and assault, receiving a suspended sentence and additional community service requirements.
The presiding judge, Robert Trevor-Jones, emphasized the severe nature of the attack and the lasting impact it had on Patel. He underscored the need for responsibility and accountability in cases of violence, particularly on premises where such incidents can have irreversible consequences for victims.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of escalating confrontations and the importance of maintaining a safe environment in public spaces to prevent such violent incidents from occurring in the future.