Man found guilty of breaking another man's jaw in Newport

Jacob Flavin, whose previous convictions for GBH and ABH were revealed to the court, claimed he acted in self defence and was in fear of being attacked in the incident at the Central Square nightclub in Newport on March 19, 2016.

But his actions left Daniel Koziega with a fractured jaw which needed plating in two places.

Flavin of Yew Tree Meadow, Hadley, Telford appeared before Judge Jim Tindal on the second day of his trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court where he denied unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm to Mr Koziega.

The 21-year-old admitted throwing a punch which injured Mr Koziega. But his barrister Danny Smith said he had tried to push Mr Koziega away from him on a packed dance floor and, believing he was in danger, punched him hard in the face.

“Mr Flavin thought he was under attack,” said Mr Smith. “This was a single punch, just enough to get away from the situation. “

However, after hearing the evidence the jury found him guilty. Sentencing has been adjourned until June 30.

The jury had previously heard that Mr Koziega had been dancing in a ‘boisterous’ way with a group of people. CCTV footage, which was played in the courtroom, showed the group jumping around and Mr Koziega coming in to contact with Flavin. Kevin Jones, prosecutor, said: “The defendant had the opportunity to leave if he was worried. But he took an active role, taking the opportunity of making space by pushing Mr Koziega away and then striking a blow. He was not shocked in to it. It was a step too far.”

Afterwards, Flavin walked away and was later identified. However he refused to answer any questions put to him by the police.

Mr Smith said that when his client had previously been arrested for offences he admitted his guilt but on this occasion he declined to answer questions as he felt he had done nothing wrong.

Mr Smith said: “My client has been convicted by guilty pleas on three previous occasions. He said he is guilty. I am not asking you to give him a gold medal for that, but there is some credibility to someone who faces up to what he has done wrong.”

Judge Tindal told Flavin that he should be under no illusion as regards to a custodial sentence. “Prepare yourself for that,” he added.