TWO men carried out a sustained and ‘cowardly’ assault on their victim while he was visiting his child.

Nigel Clutton, 35, of Plas Acton Close, Wrexham and Stewart Clarke, 31, appearing in custody from HMP Berwyn, were sentenced at Mold Crown Court for the attack in April 2019.

Both had previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm in the magistrates court.

The victim, Gavin Thomas, was visiting his former partner and their three-year-old daughter at the time of the incident, which lasted for around three minutes.

Ryan Rothwell, prosecuting, said Clutton and the victim had previously been friends and had lived together. But Clutton had sent the victim threatening messages, accusing him of owing him money and of infidelity.

Mr Rothwell said Clutton, who had been drinking, and Clarke travelled together to the home of the victim’s ex-partner while he was there.

A commotion was caused and when the victim’s ex-partner opened the door she saw Clutton by the hedge, clearly drunk. When the victim came to the door, Clutton dragged him to the floor, there was a struggle, and Clutton bit down on the victim’s ear, refusing to let go.

Clarke then emerged from the car and “delivered a running kick” to the side of the victim’s head, and then a “full force” kick to the ribs, before the duo went back to the car and drove off.

The victim was left with bruising to his face, ribs and bite marks to the ear.

A victim personal statement read out to the court described how he has become paranoid, over defensive, on edge and upset his three year-old daughter witnessed the incident.

Duncan Bould, defending Clutton, said with “sober eyes” Clutton regarded his behaviour that evening as “disgraceful”.

“The perceived events to do with a failure to repay a loan and alleged infidelity neither provide excuses for the behaviour he exhibited”, he added.

Mr Bould added Clutton was “genuinely remorseful.”

Andrew Green, defending Clarke, told the court that he was already serving a 44-month sentence which will keep him in prison until May next year, and was facing sentencing for other matters at a later date.

He said: “His best mitigation is his early guilty plea. He is keen to explain he has been doing his best while in custody to chart a new course for his life.”

Judge Rhys Rowlands described the attack as “cowardly”.

Clutton was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £1,250 in compensation to the victim, Mr Thomas.

He will also pay £250 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

Clarke was given 15 months in jail to run alongside with his current sentence, and will also pay a £140 victim surcharge.