A MAN who launched an unprovoked assault at a Wrexham pub which left his victim with a fractured skull and bleed on the brain has been spared jail. 

Matthew Rawlinson, of Croft Close, Ellesmere Port, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (November 21). 

The 36-year-old had previously admitted the offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm. 

Prosecuting, Denise Fitzpatrick, said that the incident occurred at the Cross Foxes pub in Coedpoeth on May 6, 2023. 

The victim, Matthew Smullen, had been socialising in the pub. At 1am, Mr Smullen was in the smoking area of the pub, talking to the defendant's cousin. CCTV footage played to the court showed Rawlinson approaching Mr Smullen and punching him twice, causing him to lose consciousness. 

On May 11, Mr Smullen attended the Countess of Chester Hospital over fears that his injuries were worse than first thought. A CT scan revealed Mr Smullen had suffered a fracture to the back of the skull, and a bleed on the brain. He also suffered a loss of hearing and smell. 

To date, no explanation or motive for the assault has been ascertained, the court heard. 

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Rawlinson had 10 previous convictions for 22 previous offences. The last being false imprisonment on his ex-partner in 2017 - for which he was sentenced to six years imprisonment. The offence that occurred in May 2023 happened while he was on licence after being released from prison. 

Defending, Joshua Gorst, said that the defendant suffers from significant mental health issues, including OCD and PTSD. Mr Gorst said this has been a "trigger" for his "undesirable" past behaviour.

(Image: Staff)

His ex-partner also described him as a "great role model" for his children, and is now a "different man" to the one sentenced in 2017. Rawlinson also hasn't touched alcohol since the offence occurred and has worked "extremely hard" to rehabilitate himself. 

Judge Nicola Saffman sentenced Rawlinson to 16 months imprisonment which was suspended for 18 months. She said the defendant has shown "genuine remorse" and he hasn't re-offended since May 2023.

Rawlinson was also banned from pubs, clubs and hotels selling alcohol for a period of six months, and he must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity.