Uncle and nephew sentenced following assault outside Southport pub

An uncle and nephew have been jailed today, Friday 28 March, following a serious assault of a man at a Southport pub last year.

Southport men, Scott Howard, of Hall Street, pleaded to guilty to Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, and Dylan Howard, of East Street, pleaded to guilty to Section 20 assault grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court heard that in the early hours of Monday 2 September officers were called to an assault of a man outside the Fox and Goose pub on Cable Street, where the victim was punched and then kicked in the head causing him to fall unconscious and the offenders fled the scene.

The 44-year-old victim was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries.

Patrols attended, and following a search of the area arrested and charged uncle and nephew, Scott and Dylan Howard, with assault.

Today, 35-year-old Scott Howard was jailed for four years, while 23-year-old Dylan Howard received one year and four months in prison.

An impact statement by the victim was read out in court stating: “I have lost weight due to not being able to eat properly. I have frequent panic attacks when waking up on my own and when leaving the house on my own.

“I have always been independent and left the house without people with me, but now I find it difficult and will only go out without someone if it is necessary or I am meeting someone in a particular place.

“I will need dental work to my teeth due to the assault which I cannot afford, and I can only eat certain foods.

“I haven’t been able to return to work due to sustaining head injuries and the attack has impacted on my mental health, and this is causing me stress . I am not the same person anymore and I don’t recognise myself.”

Speaking about the case, Detective Constable Immy Mahmood, who led the investigation, said: “This was a vicious and shocking display of violence by Scott and Dylan Howard, and today they have been punished in the courts and are now behind bars.

“The incident quickly escalated from what was initially verbal exchange of words which then turned physical where Scott punched the victim several times in the face, and then Dylan joined in the assault. Scott proceeded to kick the victim in the head when he fell to the ground.

“The victim was left with extensive facial swelling and bruising, cuts to his face and required dental treatment from the attack.

“I hope Scott and Dylan now uses the time in jail to reflect on their behaviour, and the significant impact it has had on the victim.”