Brute attacked dad with broken glass bottle

A BRUTE punched a woman in the face before attacking a man who intervened with a smashed glass bottle after a night out in Middlesbrough.

- By POPPY KENNEDY

One of 24-year-old James Brear’s victims, who needed stitches for a gash to the side of his head, said he feels “lucky to be alive” and fears his injuries could have been much worse.

Brear admitted section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of affray.

It follows an incident in Willson Street, Middlesbrough, outside a pizza shop in the early hours of May 6, 2024. A woman was speaking to a group of men when Brear appeared and said “don’t f***** start”. He pushed her and then punched her in the face causing her extreme pain to her nose, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Another victim was outside and saw Brear assault a man in a white top before punching the woman.

Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said: “He described the defendant as being aggressive to anyone he saw.”