Derry man jailed for 'violent and thuggish' assault

A man has been jailed at Derry Crown Court for what a judge described as 'a violent and thuggish assault' on a man outside a local bar.

Raymond Lishman (35) of Dunvale Close in Derry admitted one charge of grievous bodily harm with intent on November 29 2019.

The court heard that the injured party was attacked by Lishman outside the Metro Bar in Derry. 

He was assaulted while lying on the ground and sustained injuries to his head and jaw. 

The man was found to have a fracture to his eye socket and a fracture to his jaw. 

The incident was captured on CCTV and a police officer recognised the defendant as the court heard he is easily recognisan recognisable due to his body art. 

The court heard that due to the pandemic Lishman was not interviewed until 2021.

The Recorder Judge Neil Rafferty said the defendant had 57 previous convictions and as a young man 'did not have his troubles to seek.'

The judge said that most if Lishman's offending could be traced to alcohol issues.

He added that due to the pandemic some defendants became worse while others had 'sought to improve themselves.'

He said Lishman fell into the latter category as he become involved in a group called 'Bearded Rebellion' which engaged in charity work.

The judge said that this group gave Lishman 'some degree of purpose.' 

For this reason he said he was deviating from the usual sentencing practice of 50 percent in custody and 50 percent on licence. 

He sentenced Lishman to 18 months in custody and three years on licence.