An intense night out in Aberystwyth ended in chaos as a violent altercation outside a pub led to serious consequences. 24-year-old roofer Ieuan Phillips found himself at the center of it all after delivering what a judge called an “almighty kick” during the fracas, leaving Robert Whitehouse unconscious with significant facial injuries.
The drama unfolded after Phillips was ejected from a pub on Eastgate Street, sparking an altercation with the doorman. Things escalated rapidly outside, with Phillips and Whitehouse exchanging blows amid a crowd trying to diffuse the situation. In a shocking twist, an unidentified man wielding a baton also entered the scene, though he’s yet to be tracked down.
Both men seemed to have a score to settle, but it was Phillips who returned shirtless to continue the fight. The climax? A devastating kick to Whitehouse’s head, knocking him out cold. The victim later needed surgery due to a complex fracture to his cheekbone, a broken nose, and persistent mental trauma post-incident.
Phillips eventually turned himself in and has now been sentenced to 28 months in prison for inflicting grievous bodily harm. The judge emphasised that young men must understand the severe consequences of mixing violence and alcohol, as it can lead to irreparable harm.
Though portrayed negatively in court, friends of Phillips describe him as a hard-working roofer with a different side to his character. We hope this serves as a cautionary tale of how a night out can spiral and the lasting impact a moment of violence can have.