After accidently cutting a man’s skull open while trying to pour a drink over him during a fight in their neighborhood pub, an intoxicated mother of one who had no prior convictions was not sent to jail.
Laura Murphy, a 35-year-old KFC employee, was trying to soak Stephen Brolly with a double vodka and cola when she accidently broke the glass in his face due to her intoxication.
Staff at the Bradley pub in Widnes, Cheshire, had to administer first aid to Mr. Brolly when he cut his forehead; however, the injury only required minimal attention, so he declined to file a formal complaint.
When Murphy appeared before Warrington Magistrates Court, she pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
When the event happened, Murphy was at the pub with her employer and other employees from the fast food chain at around 10.20 p.m. on March 25 of this year.
Murphy acknowledged drinking six pints of cider before entering the bar, two additional drinks while inside, and then a double vodka and cola, which she then tried to pour over Mr. Brolly.
She was reportedly “very intoxicated” at the time, and the court heard that she was so inebriated that she was unable to remember the incident or what had led up to it.
Police apprehended her after reviewing CCTV footage.
She then claimed that the glass must have fallen out of her hand as she was arguing with Mr. Brolly and his buddies over her dancing around the venue while intoxicated.
Murphy, of Widnes, admitted assault causing real bodily harm and was sentenced to give the victim £100 in damages at Warrington Magistrates Court.
She was also required to pay £180 in costs and a victim surcharge in addition to 100 hours of unpaid labour over 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.
“A member of staff from the public house said that she witnessed the defendant throw a glass at the victim, cutting her on the forehead,” said prosecutor Angela Blackmore.
Other parties were present, but they declined to provide remarks.
‘CCTV footage depicts Murphy dancing at the bar and seeming intoxicated, according to the report.
After then, she can be seen conversing with three males who are seated at a table across from the bar. Then, it looks that she is yelling at Mr. Brolly.
She can be seen throwing a glass of liquid at him, which hits him in the forehead and cuts him.
I merely tossed something at his face, not smashed it as you’re making out, stated Murphy.
She acknowledges that she hurled a glass in Mr. Brolly’s approximate direction, Ms. Blackmore continued. She didn’t mean to hurt the victim’s forehead; it was a spontaneous move.
She had obviously thrown something at the male who was seated, as was evident. She claimed that she wouldn’t have intentionally thrown it.
She was “extremely lucky” the injuries was not more serious, according to Murphy’s attorney Ian Weights, who also noted that his client had never engaged in such behavior or had been in court.
She is utterly uncomfortable with what has transpired, he continued. She has acknowledged responsibility and makes no attempt to excuse it.
“We don’t know exactly what caused it, but we’re not suggesting that what caused it was okay.” It is very unexpected.
We are dealing with a person who made a very unwise decision. She has never done something similar before, and this person does not frequently display aggression.
She committed a terribly dumb and idiotic mistake that she has regretted ever since and will continue to regret for the rest of her life.
KFC area manager Caroline Plumpton referred to Murphy as “an amazing employee with a fantastic work ethic, friendly with customers, a positive impact at work and a crucial person in the team” in her letter of recommendation.
The crew respects her, and they are free to approach her with any problems, it continued.
She consistently goes above and above and remains composed under pressure.
Alf Bean, the head of the magistrates bench, declared that he did not think Murphy has a drinking issue.
The custody threshold hasn’t, in our opinion, been crossed. However, that does not lessen what occurred.
In the end, it’s a significant issue, and regrettably you’ve smudged your copybook. We want this to be a lesson learned and for you to never have to appear in court again.