Company director who scarred victim for life by glassing him in Stafford bar avoids jail
A construction company director who glassed a drinker, scarring him for life, in a Stafford wine bar has avoided jail.
Craig Esiaka, 34, exchanged words with a man in Revolution Bar, Riverside, before thrusting a glass into his face in an unprovoked attack.
The victim's injuries were so bad, including facial scarring, that Esiaka was ordered to pay £10,500 compensation out of his own pocket. Due to the vicious nature of the glassing the victim told the court he is now scared to go out into Stafford town centre as he did before the attack, on January 13 this year.
Esiaka, of Hurricane Road, Wallington, Surrey, pleaded guilty to wounding and inflicting grievous bodily harm at Stafford Crown Court.
In mitigation, the court heard Esiaka had been undergoing counselling for his 'explosive temper', had just become a father for the first time and was awaiting for the conclusion of the case before committing to a mortgage for a new home. The current overcrowding crisis in the country's prisons was also cited as a reason not to lock Esiaka up immediately.
Recorder Adrian Jack described the attack as 'unprovoked' which increased the seriousness of the crime.
He said: "Earlier this year you committed an unprovoked attack on a man in a public house. You had a glass in your hand, you used that hand to punch him in his face. The glass smashed and caused extensive cuts to his face. Fortunately, the long-term scarring seems to be a bit less than it might have been, especially seeing the pictures immediately after the incident.
"You are in a well paid and important job. You are a new father. Your victim, though, lost money because he had to have time off work. He also has long-term concerns about going out. And he will have scars on his face until the day he dies."
Recorder Jack sentenced Esiaka to one year in prison, but due to his previous good character and good standing agreed it would be suspended for 18 months.
He said: "I am suspending this sentence but believe you are in a position to undertake unpaid work, you will have to complete 120 hours. You will also have to complete 10 rehabilitation days in regards to your controlling your temper.
"Due to your victim's injuries, you should pay him £10,500 compensation, £420 of which will come out of your monthly wage until that figure is reached."