Thug jailed after dad of six lost eye in ‘vicious’ attack
VICTIM WAS PUNCHED IN HEAD 16 TIMES AND KICKED IN HIS BACK
A MAN lost his right eye after being the victim of a ‘vicious’ and ‘unprovoked’ attack in a Newcastle city centre nightspot, a court heard.
The man was in Rusty’s in Times Square on August 1 last year when Saam Bayat, 34, punched him in the head and kicked him in the back multiple times during a sustained assault.
Newcastle Moot Hall Court heard Bayat had been drinking in the bar with a woman and a couple in the neighbouring booth had started to engage in a sexual activity.
The victim walked into the bar and Bayat believed he was trying to take photos or video of the couple on his mobile phone.
Bayat told the couple and they approached the man, while the defendant sat back down in his booth.
The victim then showed the couple his phone to satisfy the couple he was not taking photos and there was no “aggression being exhibited”, the court was told.
The court, which was shown CCTV of the incident, heard Bayat then became involved in the conversation and then launched a “vicious and prolonged” attack.
Bayat, of Granville Court, Jesmond, Newcastle, punched the victim three times to the head before he fell to the floor and then kicked him to the back five times.
He then inflicted 13 more punches towards his head before stopping the attack, the court was told.
He then returned, dragged the victim up to his feet before punching him multiple times again, the court heard.
Bayat was eventually “pulled away” while the victim lay motionless on the floor before getting to his feet.
The court heard the victim was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and suffered swelling and bruising.
The most significant injury was to his right eye that included a fractured eye socket, the court was told.
The victim, who previously had surgery on the eye, underwent an urgent CT scan and was told his right eye had completely collapsed. Despite efforts to save his eye he was told it would have to be removed, the court heard.
On sentencing Recorder Richard Stubbs said: “What took place in the early hours of August 1, 2023 will have a long-lasting impact on the victim who suffered life-changing injuries in an unprovoked attack.”
He added: “If you had not joined the discussion you would not be here now and [the victim] would still have his eye.
“As [the victim] explained, before he left home that night he got his partner to try some African food and had a laugh together.
“But within 24 hours he was in hospital and lost his eye through no fault of his own.”
Mr Stubbs said the victim’s six children had to be sent away so they didn’t see the extent of his injuries.
He has also been out of work for some time and can’t get benefits due to his visa requirements.
Recorder Stubbs said it has been difficult for the family to “comprehend” what has happened.
The defendant had shown “genuine remorse and would change what happened,” Recorder Stubbs said.
He sentenced Bayat, who pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, to nine years and six months in prison.