Blackburn man jailed for one-punch attack in Rishton
Nathan Williams jailed for three years after unprovoked assault leaves victim with life-changing injuries
A man from Blackburn has been jailed for three years after an unprovoked one-punch attack in Rishton left his victim with catastrophic, life-changing injuries.
Nathan Williams, 41, of Fleetwood Close, Blackburn, assaulted a man in his 20s on George Street in the early hours of 17th June 2023. The pair, who knew each other, exchanged words before walking off in separate directions. Williams then turned back and struck the victim once in the face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the concrete floor.
Judge Geoffrey Lowe told Preston Crown Court on Friday 10th October that the victim suffered a “grave and life-threatening injury.”
The victim was initially taken to his girlfriend’s home before being rushed to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma after doctors discovered a bleed on his brain.
In a powerful statement read in court, the victim described the impact of the assault:
“Following the assault on 17th June 2023, I attended hospital and was placed in an induced coma as I had a bleed on my brain and had to have the front part of my skull removed. I was told that if they didn't remove part of my skull I could die due to the swelling. My family were told that there was an 80% chance of dying which was obviously very upsetting for them.”
He continued: “When I was discharged I was then off work for several months whilst I recovered. I was required to wear a helmet for a year and a half whilst awaiting further surgery... DVLA were made aware of my injury and my driving licence was subsequently revoked for five months. This had a major impact on my life as I was unable to go about my day-to-day life and also affected my work.”
The victim added: “It has now been around two and half years since the incident and I still feel the effects... I feel on edge in crowded places, for example going to the pub and other events where alcohol is involved. I am not able to enjoy myself as much like I used to and feel this has affected me overall as a person.”
Williams was arrested six days after the attack and later charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. He pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to three years in prison, with an indefinite restraining order imposed.
Detective Sergeant Cheryl Taylor, of Blackburn CID, said: “While it’s not for me to comment on any sentence, I am pleased that Williams has been held accountable for his actions in June 2023. He caused catastrophic injuries to the victim in this case, who was the subject of an unprovoked attack whilst enjoying a night out.
“Whilst I acknowledge the defendant did not intend the outcome, this case reflects the potential for horrific outcomes whenever people choose to use violence. The message is clear – one punch can kill or cause serious injury.”