A man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after a brutal attack on a disabled individual, which was recorded on CCTV. David Brown, 40, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in October. The incident occurred on December 29, 2023, at a pub in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, where Brown stubbed a cigarette out in the victim's eye as he entered the beer garden on a mobility scooter.

Witnesses reported that other patrons had to intervene to separate Brown from the victim, who sustained significant injuries to his right eye. The police were called to the scene shortly after the attack, leading to Brown's arrest. Despite denying the charges, he was convicted based on the evidence presented during the trial.

The court heard that nearly two years after the incident, the victim continues to experience ongoing issues with his eyesight, necessitating regular hospital visits. PC Oskar Sereda commented on the attack, describing it as "cowardly" and unprovoked. He stated, "It is difficult to imagine the pain he must have suffered during the incident and the emotional and physical impact upon him has been lasting."

The victim's sense of safety has been severely affected, with reports indicating that he no longer feels secure living in Hucknall. Additionally, his parents have faced significant financial strain due to the time they have had to take off work to care for him following the attack. PC Sereda expressed gratitude to the pubgoers who assisted the victim, stating, "I’d like to thank the people in the pub that evening who rushed to help the victim and keep Brown away from him before officers were called to the scene."

This case highlights the serious consequences of violent behaviour and the lasting impact it can have on victims and their families.