Gold chain thief was later viciously whipped with belt

A MAN who snatched a gold necklace from a customer in a nightclub, leading to a ferocious revenge beating by the victim, has been sentenced for the theft.

- JASON EVANS

Darren Crayford stole the necklace from Cameron Ismail before being ejected from the club by security staff - but he was tracked down by his victim outside the venue and beaten across the face with the victim's belt.

Crayford suffered significant facial injuries including multiple jaw fractures which required surgery to have metal plates and screws installed.

Ismail had previously been sentenced to 52 months in prison for inflicting grievous bodily harm for the attack on the jewellery thief when it was Crayford's turn to appear in the dock of Swansea Crown Court to be sentenced for his part in the incident.

Dean Pulling, prosecuting, told the court that in the early hours of the morning of April 22, 2023, Crayford went to the Plan B nightclub - formerly known as Oxygen - on Northampton Lane in Swansea city centre.

He said door staff noted he had facial injuries and “looked like he had been in a fight” and appeared to be intoxicated but he was nonetheless allowed entry.

The court heard the defendant was seen to randomly approach people in the club and try to engage them in conversation, and at one point he argued with staff and showed them intimate pictures of a woman which he had on his phone.