Lout assaulted glass collector

A lout who assaulted a glass collector at his dad's wedding reception was caught by a 'silly hat' picture taken in a photo booth at the function, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates' CourtBurnley Magistrates' Court
Burnley Magistrates' Court

Leighton Foster (27) punched Debbie Hughes in the face, after telling her: “You’re not having mine.”

Ms Hughes, whose glasses were knocked off, was left in pain, vomiting and dizzy. She was so upset by the midnight violence she decided to give up her job at Lowerhouse Mills Social Club in Burnley.

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The town’s magistrates were told pictures from the booth were later being looked at and the victim recognised her attacker.

The defendant, a new dad, of Fielden Street, Burnley, admitted assault by beating, last October 30th. The car valeter was fined £166, with a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs and must pay £100 compensation.

Miss Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said the the victim started to make her way round various rooms collecting empty glasses. Foster told her: “You’re not having mine.”

The defendant grabbed her with both hands and punched her to the right side of the face. Miss Akhtar added: “She stood there, shocked. She was handed back her glasses and ran off into the games room in tears.

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“She has decided to no longer work at the social club because she is in fear an incident like this might happen again.”

Mr Mark Williams, defending, said the staff were getting ready to close the premises, Foster went outside and the victim and the DJ, who were outside, were trying to close the fire door.

He was behind it and he held onto it, having what he thought was a bit of a joke.

The solicitor continued: “He says he recalls having something thrown over him. He does accept he then reacted and struck out.”

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Mr Williams said police traced Foster after some pictures of guests wearing silly hats from the photo booth were being looked it. Ms Hughes was able to point out who had hit her.

The solicitor added: “He feels very bad about the whole thing. It should never have happened. He regrets his actions.

“He is very embarrassed. The defendant acted in a fashion that’s wholly unacceptable and he can only apologise for that.”