Brierfield man jailed for attack on pair with epilepsy

Burnley Crown Court heard how both of Wayne Turnbull's victims, set upon in separate assaults, were epileptics and each suffered a seizure soon after their ordeal.

Turnbull had been on a suspended jail sentence for beating up Robert Jackson when he picked on him again. He had told the victim: "This is for grassing," after punching him and knocking him down.

Days later, Turnbull had hit Paul Moy, 43, with a Jack Daniels bottle in a pub, knocking him to the floor, before a melee erupted.

Turnbull, 22, a father of two, left Mr Moy needing 13 stitches to his left cheek and permanently scarred after the trouble in The Feathers in Brierfield.

The defendant, of Taylor Street, Brierfield, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and wounding.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Turnbull had assaulted Mr Jackson, 30, in March 2010. Last January Mr Jackson appeared to be in some kind of a relationship with the defendant's sister. He was in a back alley behind her house when he was attacked by Turnbull and a gang.

Turnbull was arrested after presenting himself to the police on February 10, but denied any involvement.

Miss Statham said on January 13, Mr Moy was playing pool, Turnbull's girlfriend was playing and she lost a bet over him potting the black ball. She had to buy the victim a drink, was not happy and Turnbull was looking at him and seemed to want a fight. Mr Moy went outside to have a cigarette and was attacked without warning by the defendant, who hit him to the head and face with a whisky bottle. Turnbull then ran off as a fracas started.

Mr Moy, who had a gashed cheek, left the area and went to live in a different county after the incident. The defendant had 30 previous convictions. He had received 12 weeks in prison, suspended for a year in September 2010.

Philip Holden, for Turnbull, said he knew he had a poor record and conceded custody was merited.

Mr Holden added: "Whilst he hasn't stopped drinking, he has cut down."