A man was placed into an induced coma and had to have a metal plate fitted in his head after being punched once by the cousin of his drug dealer.

Sarim Ali’s single punch caused his victim, Damon Aldore, who was drunk at the time, to fall backwards and hit his head so hard it caused a bleed on the brain and left him in hospital for weeks.

Preston Crown Court heard how on July 30, 2021, Mr Aldore had been drinking with his girlfriend at her house in Darwen.

Lancashire Telegraph: Sarim AliSarim Ali (Image: Lancs Police)

He went to purchase more alcohol from the local Premier shop but was refused service by the store owner due to his intoxication.

The court was told Ali’s cousin, a Mr Khan, who had sold drugs to Mr Aldore on the odd occasion, had been in the shop at the same time, and followed Mr Aldore back to his partner’s house.

Recorder Imran Shafi KC said: “I don’t know what was said between the two of them but Mr Khan walked back to the area of the victim’s house, where he was then asked to leave by the victim.

“You then called Mr Aldore’s partner and asked why your name was being mentioned by Mr Aldore and shortly after you arrived at the scene and stopped outside the address.”

The court heard Ali, of Perry Street, Darwen, began to look for Mr Aldore and upon finding him, punched him once to the head.

Mr Aldore fell backwards and hit his head on the floor, suffering a severe head injury.

Recorder Shafi added: “You must be aware that one punch can cause very serious injuries, and sometimes death.

"Thankfully that didn’t happen but your victim was unconscious for a short time, although when the police arrived he was on his feet.

“He was transferred to Royal Blackburn Hospital but his condition deteriorated and he was then taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

“He suffered a skull fracture and a bleed on the brain and was placed into an induced coma.”

Ali’s victim discharged himself in August but returned to hospital in September where a metal plate was inserted into his head.

Complications arose during the procedure and he was taken to intensive care.

However, the court was told Mr Aldore discharged himself again later that month and in March last year a CT scan showed there was some improvement in his condition.

Although in May, he raised concerns after experiencing headaches, fatigue and a change in personality, long term health problems caused by the incident and suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Ali, 27, who was on licence at the time of the offence after being released from prison for a robbery which he committed in 2017, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent on the basis he only threw one punch at Mr Aldore.

He was jailed for 12 months.