Rapper known as 'Gypsy General' admits punch in Newport which put man in intensive care
A rapper known as the “Gypsy General” has admitted causing grievous bodily harm after punching a man in the head and putting him in intensive care.
Arthur McDonagh attacked the man in Newport on November 19, 2022 and a four-day trial was due to start yesterday (June 17, 2025).
- Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter
- Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter
However, the 29-year-old pleaded guilty at Shrewsbury Crown Court to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.
McDonagh has released rap songs in the past and one of the music videos features screengrabs of wanted appeals with his mugshot from when the police were hunting for him in relation to this assault.
Judge Trevor Meegan indicated that he would hand down a suspended jail sentence to McDonagh before his guilty plea was entered.
Paul Smith, representing McDonagh, asked for the sentence to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report.
The court was told that McDonagh had served 490 days on curfew, which the court considers equivalent to an eight-month prison sentence. Judge Meegan also said he would take the delay in the case coming to a conclusion into account.
He set a sentencing date of July 24.
The judge told McDonagh: “You quite sensibly followed the advice of your counsel and pleaded guilty. I reserve the sentence to myself.
“The plea of guilty has saved considerable distress and inconvenience. That is to your credit.
“Although this was one punch, it had serious consequences."
McDonagh, of Maurice Lee Avenue, Oakengates, Telford, was granted bail on the conditions he does not go to Newport or contact the victim.