Medical student suffered fractured skull and brain injuries after being hit over head with wine bottle by violent drug dealer who gatecrashed house party in Hyde Park
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Damian Greenshields was jailed for two years after a court heard how the injuries he inflicted upon his victim were close to being fatal.
Leeds Crown Court heard the 27-year-old defendant has a long criminal record for violence and was out of prison on licence at the time of the attack on July 4 this year.
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Hide AdJonathan Sharp, prosecuting, said the attack happened at a student party at a property in Hyde Park
Mr Sharp said Greenshields and another man turned up at the event but "were plainly not invited and not wanted."
During the evening the pair engaged in conversation with others about dealing drugs
The victim asked Greenshields and the other man to leave but they refused.
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Hide AdGreenshields was challenged about being a drug dealer and he confirmed that he was.
The victim asked him again to leave and the defendant gestured towards his waist band as if he had a knife.
He then swung around with the wine bottle in his hand and hit the student over the head with it.
The wine bottle made contact with his temple area and smashed upon impact.
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Hide AdThe victim suffered traumatic brain injuries, a cut to his forehead and a fracture to his skull.
Greenshields and the other man ran off after the attack.
The defendant was later arrested after a police appeal and pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.
An scan showed a depression to his skull consistent with a fracture.
Mr Sharp said: "He was told it was a serious injury that could have resulted in his death and he is lucky to be alive."
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Hide AdThe court heard the victim has returned to his studies but finds it difficult to concentrate and struggles with memory loss due to the injury.
He continues to suffer from migraines and has a permanent scar on his head.
The student's statement read: "I just want to ask the male who attacked me - 'why?'
'You could have killed me, just for asking you to leave a party."
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Hide AdGreenshields has previously served a five-year prison sentence for wounding with intent.
Safter Salam, mitigating, said Greenshields pleaded guilty to the offence at an early stage and accepted it must attract a prison sentence.
Mr Safter said his client had a six-year-old son and was earning £400 a week working as a painter and decorator.
After the case, Detective Inspector Guy Shackleton, of Leeds District CID, said: “Greenshields behaved like an absolute thug when he attacked the victim after being asked to leave a party where he was an uninvited visitor.
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Hide Ad“He was identified as a result of CCTV enquiries and a public appeal for information.
“He is someone with a history of violence and we hope the significant prison sentence he has received will provide some reassurance to the victim who suffered serious injuries in this completely unprovoked attack.”
Detectives are also appealing for the public’s help to identify a man seen with Greenshields on the night who is wanted as a suspect for theft.
Officers want to speak to him about the theft of a box of beer from the Co-op store, in Cardigan Lane, Headingley, in the early hours of July 4.
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Hide AdAnyone who recognises him is asked to contact DC 3146 Burt at Elland Road via 101 quoting crime reference 13200545943 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.