'Horseplay' led to violent attack in Boy & Barrel pub in Westgate, Bradford

Patrick Hanrahan suffered a gash to the back of his head when he was punched by Daniel Miller and fell into the door frame at the Boy & Barrel in January this year.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Miller, 25, of Rowantree Drive, Idle, Bradford, was drinking with a male friend in the pub.

Miller's companion began repeatedly slapping Mr Hanrahan and laughed when a member of staff told him to stop.

Mr Hanrahan, a regular at the Westgate pub, was provoked by the horseplay and pushed Miller's friend, who was not named in court, into the street.

Prosecutor Philip Adams said Miller then intervened, punching Mr Hanrahan once to the face, knocking him into the wooden door frame.

Mr Hanraham lost consciousness and suffered a two inch gash to the back of his head and two black eyes. His wound was treated in hospital.

CCTV footage from the pub led the police to Miller who made no comment when questioned. He went on to plead guilty to unlawful wounding.

The court heard he had previous convictions for battery, criminal damage, assault, racially aggravated harassment and burglary.

Miller's barrister, Jayne Beckett, said he had since suffered a very serious injury, snapping his elbow while in drink. Two metal plates were inserted into his arm but it had become badly infected to the extent that he could lose it.

Mrs Beckett said Miller was undergoing surgery next month and was terrified of being sent to jail as the infection took hold when he was in Leeds Prison on remand.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, heard that Miller's family was very supportive and anxious to help him get better.

He told Miller: "You have suffered a very unpleasant injury which looks like it is going to occupy you and your family intensely."

Judge Durham Hall sentenced Miller to ten months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a rehabilitation activity requirement and a four month overnight curfew order.