Telford teenager's spiked drink led to town rampage, court told

Dreece Bateman, 19, had been in good spirits and laughing with friends moments before the attack, in which he broke a man's nose and lacerated his own arm so badly he needed hospital treatment.

Bateman, of Goodyear Way, Donnington, admitted six charges of criminal damage including smashing windows of the post office and The Barley in Newport.

He also admitted a charge of assault outside Central Square nightclub.

Bateman was handed a 12-month community order, including 140 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £1,516 compensation for the damage.

It was described by magistrate Geoff Bailey as one of the worst single incidents he had heard about. He was also ordered to pay £200 to his victim.

Mrs Kate Price, prosecuting, said the spree had begun at about 4am on June 14 after Bateman and his friends had left the club and were getting food. Bateman was described as being "in good spirits".

Moments later he had become "highly agitated" and attacked a man outside the club, headbutting him in the face and breaking his nose then smashing the windows of cars parked on the street.

Police found Bateman lying next to a smashed shop front window bleeding heavily.

Bateman told the court: "What I have done on that night was completely out of character. I'm not that person. I'm a nice person, caring. I have never done something like this before. I never wish to do it again."

He said he would apologise to all the complainants in person or by letter if given the opportunity.

Mr John McMillan, for Bateman, said that tests at the hospital showed that Bateman had taken cocaine but the defendant vehemently denied taking the drug.

"The only explanation is that his drink had been spiked by someone," he said.