**Drunken Assault in Cardiff Leaves Two Men Unconscious, Judge Condemns ‘Aggressive’ Behaviour**
A night out in Cardiff city centre turned violent when a young man, under the influence of alcohol, rendered two strangers unconscious in a shocking incident that has since drawn heavy criticism in court.
The altercation unfolded on St Mary Street on 6 July last year, in full view of the public and captured by CCTV cameras. Lewis Watkins-Harris, 21, was seen in a heated argument with his girlfriend when he caught the attention of passers-by Matthew Davies and Nathan Hume. Concerned by the commotion, Mr Hume intervened, urging Watkins-Harris to “relax” and not be so aggressive. This seemingly innocuous remark sparked a chain of events leading to serious violence.
During the subsequent exchange, the court heard Mr Hume became embroiled in a verbal dispute with the defendant, which escalated when he reportedly grabbed Watkins-Harris by the throat. Matthew Davies, observing his friend in distress, attempted to intervene and pulled Watkins-Harris away. However, the response from Watkins-Harris was swift and brutal. He delivered a forceful punch to the back of Mr Davies’ head, causing significant injury to the victim’s jaw and leaving him unconscious. Without pause, Watkins-Harris then struck Mr Hume similarly, knocking him to the ground.
Witnesses recounted how both men were left disoriented and confused as they regained consciousness shortly after the assault. In a further display of callousness, Watkins-Harris was seen filming the pair on his mobile phone, reportedly taunting them with the words “That’s what you get” before leaving the scene. His actions did not go unnoticed, and concerned members of the public followed him to Cardiff Central railway station, where the police apprehended him soon afterwards.
Medical reports presented to the court detailed the extent of Mr Davies’ injuries. He was initially treated at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend for a facial wound, a missing molar, and elevated heart rate and breathing. An X-ray revealed a displaced fracture on the left side of his jaw, exacerbated by a recent operation on the right. Two days later, surgeons at Morriston Hospital in Swansea had to replace and refit metal plates and screws to repair the damage.
Meanwhile, Mr Hume reported symptoms akin to whiplash and ongoing headaches as a result of the blow. Both victims have since made statements about the lasting impact on their physical and emotional wellbeing.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Watkins-Harris, of Conway Road, Penlan, Swansea, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. It was revealed he had one previous conviction related to driving, but no history of violent offences.
The defence, represented by Ryan Bowdern, emphasised Watkins-Harris’ remorse and highlighted his challenging work schedule as a courier. Bowdern argued that the incident was out of character and exacerbated by excessive alcohol intake on the night.
Passing sentence, Judge Lucy Crowther was unequivocal in her condemnation of the defendant’s actions, stating, “(The victims) were really concerned about the way you were talking to your partner and you were being extremely aggressive. Your response to that was to start a row and use physical unlawful force against him.” Judge Crowther added that Mr Hume’s intervention stemmed from a genuine concern for the safety of Watkins-Harris’ partner.
Taking into account his previous good character and expressions of contrition, the judge handed down an 18-month prison term, suspended for 18 months. In addition to this, Watkins-Harris was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 15-day rehabilitation activity. The court also mandated compensation payments totalling £2,400 – £1,600 for Mr Davies and £800 for Mr Hume.
This incident has sparked wider reflection on nightlife violence and the impact of alcohol-fuelled aggression, prompting renewed calls for restraint and responsible behaviour on nights out in the city. The sentence, though suspended, serves as a reminder of the consequences of letting personal disputes spiral out of control in public spaces.