Attacker tells court he was provoked by man pulling off his hat

Friday 03 March 2023

A 29-year-old man has admitted punching another man outside a bar and knocking him to the ground – but said he did it because the victim had pulled his hat off.

Craig Anthony Corbally pleaded guilty to common assault when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 28 February.

The assault took place outside St. James Wine Bar at around 02:00 on 20 January.

St. Helier Centenier Danny Scaife, prosecuting, said CCTV footage showed Corbally punch the victim, causing him to fall the ground.

He then appeared to kick him, though it was unclear from the footage whether the kick made contact, he said.

Corbally said he had been provoked when the victim pulled his hat off.

"All I can say is sorry. I wouldn’t have done it for nothing," he said.

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris imposed a £500 fine.