Mansfield man ‘messed up’ when he lashed out with bottle in Blindspot nightclub

Charlie Norwood was in the Blindspot nightclub when he and a friend became involved in a dispute, just after midnight on October 13 last year, said Ben Payne, prosecuting.

Norwood squared up to a man before hitting him on the right of his face, just above the eye, and his victim stumbled backwards into a table.

He later told police he believed he was acting in self-defence.

"The defendant escalated the violence and that violence was disproportionate,” added Mr Payne.

His victim was left with a large bump on his forehead and cut on his temple, but no lasting injuries.

Norwood, aged 21, and of previous good character, told magistrates his friend had been arguing with someone else and was detained by the security staff.

“I was left on my own with a group of people,” he said. “I was feeling punches to the back of my head - that's when I hit him.

“I managed to get out of the club with no help from anyone else. I was chased by four of the lads. They tried to beat me up again.

“I didn't want to hit him, I just wanted to protect myself. I had the bottle in my hand and I just panicked. I realise I messed up in the moment. I didn't want to hurt anyone.”

Norwood, of Argyle Street, Mansfield, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He was fined £200 with £100 compensation.