Marcus Ayres, 48, headbutted a man in a Swindon bar, causing injury. He was ordered to community service and to pay compensation.
Ayres was on a trip with his rugby team at a bar in Swindon. He argued with a man and headbutted him in front of the doorman, with others witnessing the event.
The prosecutor, Mr. Cooper, spoke in court, detailing that the victim’s forehead was cut. Blood covered his face, and he felt dizzy. The victim didn’t give a statement in court but told police his forehead felt split open.
He didn’t go to the hospital but woke up with blood on his pillow. He said he felt significant pain for weeks and now has a scar and a lump.
Ayres’ lawyer spoke about his grief, explaining that Ayres’ dad died in February 2023, and his mom died soon after. This grief contributed to his actions, and he said he didn’t remember the headbutt but apologized for hurting the victim.
Ayres is in grief counseling, which he pays for himself. People say he is cooperative, and he feels deep shame and sorrow. Grief caused his reaction.
Ayres works as a chimney sweep and had no convictions before this incident. People saw him as a good family man.
The judge said headbutting is very dangerous and can be fatal, with alcohol exacerbating the situation. The judge also acknowledged Ayres as a successful man, adding that he shouldn’t behave like this and highlighted the challenges doormen face in protecting people from drunk and violent acts.
The court ordered community service, requiring Ayres to do 200 hours of unpaid work. The judge noted the victim downplayed his injuries but ordered Ayres to pay compensation.
Ayres must pay the victim £2,000, compensate the doorman, and pay a £114 surcharge. He is also responsible for £85 in prosecution costs.