The Flickering Light bar in Wind Street, Swansea.
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A MAN on a night out in Swansea city centre ruffled a stranger's hair in a bar, then headbutted him and bit his nose.
Judge Peter Heywood described Mark Meredith's assault as vicious and unprovoked.
When told by prosecutor James Hartson that the incident occurred in Wind Street, the judge said sardonically: "That's a surprise."
READ MORE: Father-in-law suffered brain injuries after being 'hit like a punchbag' in alleged attack
Footage of the assault occasioning actual bodily harm offence at Flickering Light was shown at Meredith's sentencing at Swansea Crown Court.
Victim Corey Rees was paying for drinks at the bar in the early hours of June 26 when Meredith approached from behind and to the side and ruffled his hair twice.
Mr Rees thought it was a different person directly behind, but Meredith was identified as the culprit. When Mr Rees remonstrated with him, Meredith headbutted him, and then bit him on his nose as the pair grappled.
Meredith, 35, of Harrington Street, Waun Wen, initially made no comment when arrested by police and then claimed he had been acting in self-defence. He later pleaded guilty in court.
Mr Hartson said Mr Rees was seen by Morriston Hospital medical staff including a plastic surgeon and burns registrar. He did not require surgery for his nose wound but signs of infection were spotted.
"The wound responded with antibiotics and soaking," said Mr Hartson.
But he added that Mr Rees had been scarred, that his confidence had been shaken, and that he had given up his job as a security guard as a result.
He said Mr Rees had also had to cancel some modelling and television work.
Defending, Daniel Heard said his client had not been to prison before, and had a child.
Addressing the court, Judge Heywood said: "This was a vicious attack. It was unprovoked. He used his head and teeth as a weapon."
Sentencing Meredith to a six-month prison sentence, he said the defendant had "lunged forward with considerable force and headbutted him (Mr Rees) in the face, and then in a cowardly fashion bit him on the nose."
He added that Meredith would be subject to supervision and licence conditions after leaving prison.
Richard Youle / richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk / @YoulePost
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/man-ruffled-stranger-s-hair-in-wind-street-bar-then-headbutted-him/story-29998541-detail/story.html#eHQKMzGMYlUeeFg8.99
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