ATTACK LEFT VICTIM WITH A FRACTURED SKULL

From: Derby Evening Telegraph, UK - May 30, 2003

A Nightclubber allegedly launched a "shocking" revenge attack on another man, leaving him lying in a pool of blood with a fractured skull and a broken jaw. Deaf Barry Thomson told Derby Crown Court yesterday that he could only remember going into the toilets at Flares nightclub in Becket Street, Derby, before waking up in hospital a few days later.

Through a sign language interpreter, Mr Thomson said he and his alleged attacker, Nigel Daffern (29), who is deaf too, had had problems before and did not like each other.

He said they saw each other in Flares on June 18 last year and Daffern, of Abbey Street, "eyeballed" him before rubbing his hands together and signing: "One day at the right time".

Kate Hargreaves, prosecuting, told the jury that Daffern was seeking retribution for an assault, which had involved Mr Thomson, a year before.

She said a man witnessed the assault in the toilets and said Daffern punched Mr Thomson as he stood at the urinal.

Mr Thomson then buckled and staggered before being guided to the floor by Daffern, who allegedly followed through with more punches, she said, adding that there were further blows and, as Thomson lay unresponsive, Daffern slammed his head on the floor.

Miss Hargreaves said: "This was a shocking attack."

Daffern denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The trial continues.

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