Wolverhampton binman jailed after glassing colleague on night out
A Wolverhampton binman who threw two glasses at his colleague causing a deep wound to his face has been jailed for three years.
Lee McLachlan, aged 52, had been out drinking with Nicholas Padmore, 28, and others in Wolverhampton before the attack occurred.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard McLachlan had asked Mr Padmore what he thought of him at The Moon Under Water on November 30 - to which he replied jokingly "I don't like you".
Mrs Sati Ruck, prosecuting, told the court: "The defendant suddenly picks up a pint glass and strikes Mr Padmore in the face causing the glass to smash.
"This was followed by the defendant picking up a second glass and throwing that towards Mr Padmore's face."
The court heard there had been no previous hostility between the pair and McLachlan was described as good character.
Sorry
CCTV footage from inside the pub, on Lichfield Street, showed Mr Padmore's cousin stepping in to push the defendant away before security intervened.
Police were then called and arrested McLachlan. On route to a police station, McLachlan said Mr Padmore was a "friend and he was sorry", Mrs Ruck told the court.
"He accepted he was at fault," she said. "In the interview he was clearly upset and tearful."
Mr Padmore was taken to hospital and treated for a deep wound under his right eye which required seven stitches. He also suffered superficial wounds to the left side of his forehead and ear.
In his personal statement, Mr Padmore said he had been "left scarred for life at such a young age", the court heard.
The night out had been organised by Mr Padmore to celebrate his father's retirement and friends and colleagues had attended.
There was only three left people left - Mr Padmore, his cousin and McLachlan - when they entered The Moon Under Water pub at around 11.30pm.
The group had been drinking for 30 minutes before McLachlan launched his attack.
The court heard McLachlan, from Abingdon Road, Moseley, Wolverhampton, had been devoted to his job for 25 years.
Defending, Mr Louis French, said: "He is worried for his wife and child. He is the bread winner at home. His elderly in-laws are also in the care of the family."
'A sad case'
McLachlan was sentenced for section 18 wounding with intent.
Recorder Balraj Bhatia QC reduced his sentence based on his early guilty plea and for his remorse shown.
Mr Bhatia said: "It is a sad case. I treat you as a man of good character.
"You worked for the council and there was no history of animosity between both of you at all.
"Those two acts [of throwing the glasses in quick succession] shows the intent.
"The courts hear often that a simple drinking glass can become a lethal weapon.
"Mr Padmore is a young man. He will be concious of the scars on his face and scars give rise to impressions that are not always correct.
"I fully accept this was out of character. You are a 52-year-old man, a family man and [your employers] speak good of you."
