A man has been sentenced to prison after a shocking and unprovoked assault in a Stoke-on-Trent bar left his victim permanently blind in one eye.
Violent Attack in Burslem Venue
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 18, 2024, at a venue on Queen Street in Burslem. Jayke Pender-Lovatt, aged 32 and of no fixed address, launched a brutal attack on another man, punching him in the face without warning or provocation.
The court heard that the victim, who was simply enjoying a night out, did not know his attacker. The single punch caused devastating and permanent damage to the victim's eye.
Life-Changing Injuries and Court Sentencing
The assault resulted in significant eye injuries which led to the victim losing all sight in one eye. Police described the violence and the level of injury inflicted as "truly awful" and "life-changing".
Pender-Lovatt was later arrested and charged. He admitted to wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent in court in March of this year.
On Tuesday, December 9, he appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for sentencing. The judge jailed him for one year and eight months in prison.
Extended Licence and Police Statement
In addition to his prison term, Pender-Lovatt was handed an extended period on licence of one year and eight months. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Shannan Seddon of the Staffordshire Police CID north team commented on the case. "This was an unprovoked attack on the victim who did not know Pender-Lovatt and was merely enjoying a night out," DC Seddon said.
"The violence and level of injury Pender-Lovatt caused is life-changing and truly awful. I hope the sentencing gives some closure to the victim who is still coming to terms with what happened to them."
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police confirmed the details of the case and the severe consequences of the assault, which has irrevocably altered the victim's life.
