GBH case for trial (From Tivyside Advertiser)

GBH case for trial

1:38pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

A man accused of punching another man at a Cardigan nightspot and breaking his jaw in two places has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and is to stand trial at the crown court.

For the first time in Ceredigion the Crown Prosecution Service used new legislation introduced last month whereby a prosecutor can give details about the case and defendant before he has been convicted.

Kenneth Mark Newell aged 25 and unemployed, of 7 Maesyrhaf, Cardigan, who was represented by Alan Lewis, pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Spence-Lee Curtis.

It was alleged the offence was committed at Gabrielle’s at the Angel Hotel on Saturday, May 26 last year.

Prosecutor Gerald Neave said the victim underwent surgery at Morriston Hospital in Swansea and had two plates inserted in his jaw.

He went on to say that Newell was alleged to have committed the offence while on bail on a similar charge. He was subsequently sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Mr. Neave submitted that the case was not suitable for summary trial and should be dealt with at the crown court. He said the magistrates’ powers of sentencing were insufficient.

Submitting that the case should be heard at the magistrates court Mr. Lewis said there was no pre-meditation involved and there was a firm not guilty plea.

Presiding magistrate Brian Ashton and his colleagues declined jurisdiction and Newell was bailed to appear at a preliminary hearing in Swansea Crown Court this Friday. His unconditional bail was extended.