Football club comedy night 'marred by violence as man left with fractured jaw'

Nicholas Fulwell had to have reconstructive surgery on his jaw following the incident at AFC Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.

Matthew Owen is accused of carrying out the attack, which happened just after midnight on January 25 last year.

Mr Ian Windridge, prosecuting, said a comedy night had been held at the football club followed by a disco.

He said just after midnight there had been an argument between some people on a patio area and Mr Fulwell and his wife, Tina, went outside.

As Mr Fulwell took her by the waist in an attempt to take her away from the commotion, he was punched to the face, the court heard.

He fell to the floor and was helped back to the function room.

Mr Fulwell went home with his wife but later went to hospital where he was given an x-ray that revealed a fracture to both his lower jaw bones.

Police launched an investigation and interviewed 23-year-old Owen, who denied he had punched Mr Fulwell.

Giving evidence during the opening of the trial yesterday (WED FEB 17), Mr Fulwell told the court he had been dancing with his wife when he heard a bang and the lights came on.

He said he noticed his wife go outside and followed her.

He heard some commotion and saw his wife bending over.

Mr Fulwell told the court: "I went to pull her away. I didn't want her anywhere near the action which was going on.

"I don't remember anything else. Next thing I woke up and I could remember somebody taking me back to the seat inside.

"I just remember a cold, wet floor and the next thing I was being lifted back into the football club."

He told the jury he did not see who punched him, but added: "I've never felt so much pain in all my life."

He said he later went to hospital and had to have his jaw reconstructed in an operation where three titanium plates were fitted.

Another witness, Mark Clyde, licensee of the club, told the jury he had seen an argument which involved several people.

He said Owen had punched Mr Fulwell.

He then told Owen to leave and later barred him.

"He asked what he had done to which I replied, you know what you have done," Mr Clyde told the court.

Giving evidence, Mrs Fulwell said she had gone outside to look for her sister and was trying to stop a scuffle between two people but ended up on the floor herself.

She said when she got up she saw her husband lying face down on the floor.

Owen, of Tasley Close, Bridgnorth, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The trial continues.