Telford pub bouncer jailed for vicious pub attack which left man disabled
A bouncer has been jailed after an attack outside a Telford pub that left a man wheelchair-bound and with severe brain damage.
Father-of-eight Neil Hotchkiss knocked Scott Taylor out cold with a single chilling punch after a disagreement.
Shrewsbury Crown Court heard the pair had got into an argument after Hotchkiss had asked Mr Taylor to leave Bar Station in Wellington because he was drunk.
Mr Andrew Wilkins, prosecuting, said: "Mr Taylor was clearly not doing what he had been told to do – but, on the other hand, he was not being violent or aggressive.
"Hotchkiss dramatically over-reacted and the consequences were very dramatic. Mr Taylor collided heavily with the pavement and suffered a skull fracture and extensive brain damage. He is in a wheelchair, has difficulty communicating and doing the things he did before."
Mr Wilkins said CCTV showed Hotchkiss paced up and down after the blow and made no effort to help Mr Taylor. The prosecutor said the bouncer initially lied to police and said he had not touched Mr Taylor.
Hotchkiss, 33, of Hurleybrook Way, Leegomery, Telford, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to 16 months in jail
Recorder Adrian Jack, sentencing Hotchkiss, said: "As far as the Taylor family are concerned, any sentence I pass on you will be grievously inadequate for the very serious injuries suffered by Mr Taylor. He will never make a full recovery. I have to accept, however, that you did not intend to cause this sort of injury."
Mr Adam Western, for Hotchkiss, said his client,was of previous good character and full of remorse.
