A man had to have his jaw wired up after he was attacked outside a Colchester nightclub.

A court heard how Stephen Pickersgill also got a broken nose after he was assaulted near the Hippodrome in December.

At Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge David Turner QC told the attackers, Glen Luckhurst, 21, and 20-year-old Harold Harris: "You must understand that violence of this kind ruins social pleasure for so many people."

Luckhurst, of Hampstead Avenue, Clacton, admitted causing Mr Pickersgill grievous bodily harm with intent.

Harold Harris, 20, Knox Road, Clacton, admitted grievous bodily harm. His not guilty plea to the more serious charge of grievous bodily harm with intent was accepted by the prosecution. He also admitted a charge of affray.

Luckhurst was jailed for four years and Harris received a total of 18 months.

Christopher Kerr, prosecuting, said Mr Pickersgill was out in Colchester on December 30 and ended up in the Hippodrome.

Mr Pickersgill was attacked and was knocked unconscious before he was stamped or kicked in the head, Mr Kerr said.

Matthew Gowen, mitigating for Luckhurst, said: "He acted out of character and is ashamed of his behaviour that night."

Stephen Dyble, mitigating for Harris, said he had foolishly gone to the aid of his friend Luckhurst.

A third man, 19-year-old Thomas Gunning, from Arnold Road, Clacton, agreed to a £200 bind over for 18 months.

The court heard he played a very limited part in the incident by shouting and pushing police

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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