Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Pastor Omareshola Omaghomi, 43, left a man seriously injured in a “nasty” drunken attack at a Lewisham High Street bar, a court has heard.
Woolwich Crown Court heard that he was extremely inebriated when he carried out the violent attack because he thought the victim had attacked someone else.
The court was told that after a brief verbal exchange, he went up to the victim in the Lewisham bar and repeatedly assaulted him.
The victim suffered two broken teeth and swelling of his eye socket as well as other injuries.
Later that night, he was brought to the hospital for medical attention.
The victim said:
“I no longer feel safe going out as I used to and have withdrawn socially.”
Recorder Samantha Presland called the attack “nasty” and “vengeful” on Thursday, September 18.
She acknowledged, however, that Omaghomi was deeply sorry and called the attack “very out of character” for the father of three.
He was sentenced to 16 months in custody suspended for two years.
Recorder Presland reminded him:
“You will know this from your own teachings, an eye for an eye leaves everybody blind.”
Omaghomi will need to reimburse the victim for their dental expenses in the amount of £1,000 and also do 200 hours of community service.
What are the legal implications of assault occasioning bodily harm?
The offender may be charged with assault causing actual bodily harm which refers to putting someone bodily harm that is more than trivial or temporary.
Depending on the seriousness of the case, the offender could receive (a) up to 18 months if the case is summary or (b) if the case is indictable (a more serious offence) the offender could receive an indeterminate sentence up to a maximum of 10 years. If the case is aggravated the offender may receive an even larger sentence.
The courts can impose a fine, and the offender may also be ordered to pay the victim for the cost of their injuries and any medical costs, as well as for the pain and suffering caused by the victim.
Instead of or in addition to imprisonment, the offender can be sentenced to hours of community service or probation with terms.