Bigg Market bouncer's single punch left victim unconscious

Graham Crawford was knocked unconscious by Gary Moffett in the incident outside a late-night bar in Newcastle’s Bigg Market.

The victim, who was on a night out in the city centre in September 2018, was refused entry to Popworld by Moffett.

He was then seen by witnesses striking the 41-year-old victim with a single blow to the head, immediately rendering him unconscious, in a brief attack captured on cctv.

His actions resulted in the father-of-three, from Dudley in Northumberland, being in an induced coma for six days, in hospital for two weeks and sustaining life-changing injuries.

Moffett was arrested shortly after the incident and was later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Having denied the offence, maintaining his innocence, he was found guilty following a two-day trial late last month.

A victim impact statement, written by Mr Crawford’s wife, Lindsay, and read to the court, detailed the extent of the injuries and how the harrowing incident has forever changed the family’s life.

Mrs Crawford said: “On the evening of the assault I rang Graham and his phone was answered by a nurse who told me he was in intensive care.

“I was struck with fear, shock and absolute terror as to what had happened to him.

“That was the start of the worst days of my life.

“While I was dealing with my fears and emotions, I had to return home and tell my children their dad was in hospital and not very well.

“When they cried and wanted to see him I lied to protect them.

“When Graham was more stable I was able to take the kids to go and see him more often.

“I could feel that I was broken inside but had to keep going on auto pilot.

“I was afraid that if I stopped I would break down and not get back up again.

“To think that someone in authority felt it acceptable to throw such a damaging punch, knowing it could cause irreparable damage, leaves me sick to my stomach and I don’t know how the man who did this can sleep at night.

“I have great feelings of foreboding and trepidation.

“Graham is now in a vulnerable state due to the actions of one man who I don’t think has shown any remorse.

“There was no need for him to have punched Graham in any circumstances.

“That punch has changed our family’s life forever.”

Speaking after the trial, Detective Constable Mark Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a horrific incident which no family should ever have to go through.

“While we are pleased Graham has been recovering, we know that his life has been significantly changed by this assault, as well the lives of his family.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise those who witnessed this horrendous assault and not only administered first aid the scene, but remained committed throughout the entire court proceedings, appearing each time they were required.

“Without their help, it might have been difficult to secure a conviction.

“This case shows the devastation which can be caused by just one single punch, and we are grateful to Graham and his family for their bravery and for consenting to the release of the cctv of the incident, which serves as a stark reminder of what could happen when people lose their cool for just a spilt second.

“We do not condone violence in any form, especially from those who are trained to look after people and keep the peace in our streets and in licensed premises.

“We implore anyone who sees this, to think before you act.”

The 48-year-old defendant, of Lanercost Park, Cramlington, is due to be sentenced at the court, on October 26.

* View image and video: https://we.tl/t-dJwkE6KFxn

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