Jail for Ponciau man who 'attacked delivery man' with dog lead

Nathan Robert Edwards, of Australia Street, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

He admitted that earlier this week in Mountain Street, Rhos, he caused criminal damage to a vehicle and assaulted a person, occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that after consuming drinks “in double figures” the 30-year-old lashed out at a vehicle and its owner, Aristos Mulqueen-Artistou - using a dog lead with a chain as a weapon.

Andrew Holiday, defending, said his client lost his father during the period of the covid-19 pandemic, and on Monday he went to the pub with his dad’s friends to have a “wake.”

He said the group consumed “a large amount of alcohol,” and that afterwards - from what Edwards could remember - a dog slipped from its lead and was almost struck by a vehicle.

Edwards “lashed out” at the vehicle, causing the victim to get out, whereupon he was struck by Edwards with the chain.

Mr Holiday said Edwards’ memory was hazy on the matter, and he had issues relating to alcohol and grief.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told Edwards: “I have had the opportunity of viewing the footage taken by the complainant - it is clear a dog slipped the lead and he had to brake suddenly.

“What happened after is an extremely unpleasant incident.

“You had a lead with a metal chain and that was used against Mr Mulqueen-Artistou, causing injuries fortunately at the lower end of the scale.

“Monday was the first time pubs had been open in Wales and you drank more than was good for you.

“The sun was out and it is clear you were badly affected.

“But that doesn’t justify the use of a weapon, which is exactly what a dog lead with a chain is.

“Mr Mulqueen-Artistou was doing his job, working as a delivery driver and you used unlawful violence against him.”

Edwards was jailed for 26 weeks for the assault, with a concurrent four week sentence being imposed for the criminal damage.