A man seriously injured his friend after he ‘talked about drugs’ during a drinking session.
Nick Gregory was sentenced for an offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday, 28 September).
The mechanic had been drinking at The Runner pub with several friends on 3 May 2021 – including Leighton Short – before the group returned to his home in Shelfinch, Toothill, where they continued to consume alcohol.
Crown prosector Tony Nowogrodzki said that it was there Mr Short started a conversation on drug taking, suggesting that everyone would want to know the affects.
52-year-old Gregory did not like the conversation because his son was present at the time – and he told Mr Short to leave. He went upstairs to try and calm down before re-emerging.
Finding that Mr Short was still in his home, the defendant booted him in the ankle from behind. The victim fell to the floor and later attended the hospital when doctors found a broken ankle, which required surgery.
In a victim person statement, Mr Short told of how his scars are a “constant reminder of the assault” and they “bring back horrible memories”.
Adding: “I have put on a lot of weight due to the lack of mobility and issues with alcohol.
“I’m paranoid when around people, it scares me to have my back turned to anyone. I’m desperate that these circumstances disappear and don’t last for the rest of my life.”
Emma Hillier, defending, said that the group of friends had been hanging out together, which was going well until the victim talked about drug use.
Gregory had made an effort to remove himself from the situation as he became angry, she said. But when Mr Short didn’t leave, there was a “bit of scuffle”.
Ms Hillier said her client was “extremely remorseful” because the pair had been “very good friends” for many years, and the incident had “broken up this friendship group”.
She told the court that the defendant is the director of a garage and the impact on his partner of 20 years and the business would be “massive” if he were to be jailed.
He was handed a 12-month community order with the requirement to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. Gregory must also pay £300 compensation to his victim, along with costs and a surcharge.
