Unprovoked attack left man scarred for life

BOXING Day celebrations ended in bloodshed when a man was scarred for life by a stranger in a completely unprovoked and “animalistic” attack in a pub.

- By ROB KENNEDY

Richie Jefferson had consumed 16 double vodkas in three hours when he lashed out for no reason in a busy bar in Blyth, leaving his blameless victim “absolutely covered in blood” and with facial wounds.

The victim, who was relatively sober having had around four pints, had been out on December 26, 2023, in Blyth town centre and had been for a meal and to some pubs. Some time after 11pm, he bumped into a friend and decided to go for a drink with him.

After standing in the busy pub for around 20 minutes, he was suddenly struck to the face and stumbled backwards. The court heard the attack was completely unprovoked and there had been no dispute between the men leading up to it.

The victim's next recollection was being in hospital with a laceration to his forehead and a cut to his nose. A flap of skin on his forehead was being held together with blood.