Chingford man jailed after attacking another man outside Epping nightclub 195

Bailey Townsend, now 20, was still a teenager when he punched and kicked George Pemberton while on the ground outside the former club named 195 in Epping in the early hours of February 4, 2018.

Mr Pemberton, who was in his early 20s, needed two plates to repair two fractures to his jaw.

Townsend, of College Gardens, Chingford, denied his crimes but was convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on Mr Pemberton.

He has now been jailed for three and a half years.

Townsend and Mr Pemberton were said to have become involved in a disagreement over a young woman.

On April 9, 2017, Townsend was hit with a metal pole and was left lying unconscious on the road, the court heard.

The court was told Townsend believed Mr Pemberton might stab him and that triggered his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he had suffered from since he was attacked ten months earlier.

Passing sentence, Judge Charles Gratwicke said CCTV footage showed Townsend was in high spirits. The confrontation culminated in him punching and kicking Mr Pemberton to the head when he was on the ground.

Townsend maintained he was acting in lawful self-defence because he feared Mr Pemberton might pull out a knife from his waistband.

"The jury clearly rejected that view," the judge said.

However, the judge said, bearing in mind Townsend's age, previous good character, work record as an electrical apprentice, many references as to his character and decency, and the effect of his PTSD, he could reduce the usual sentence. The normal starting point for offences of that nature is six years.

Judge Gratwicke also told the prison service to record that Townsend "is a vulnerable prisoner and that every step which can be taken to monitor him must be taken".

Townsend's mother, who was in court with his father, burst out sobbing.

Mitigating, Peter Rowlands said the incident lasted just 16 or 17 seconds and was totally out of character for Townsend.

He said Mr Pemberton became agitated and adopted an aggressive, confrontational stance.

"What happened was completely impulsive [by Townsend]. Mr Pemberton did or may have said something like 'I will stab you'. It triggered the defendant's PTSD, causing a massive over-reaction."

During the trial, Mr Pemberton denied he made that remark.

Mr Rowlands added the PTSD had left Townsend with mental difficulties, both in work and socially.

A psychiatrist had reported he was also clinically depressed and a custodial sentence would have a negative effect on his state of mind.