Man jailed for Hertford nightclub bottle attack leaving victim with permanent scarring
Joe Palmer has been sentenced to over five years.
A man has been sent to prison after attacking another man with a glass bottle in a Hertford nightclub, causing serious injuries and permanent scarring.
Joe Palmer, 36, was sentenced to five years and four months at St Albans Crown Court on 30th January, having been found guilty of GBH with intent following a week-long trial in December 2023.
Palmer, of High Road in Broxbourne, struck a man aged in his 20s on the head with a bottle during an altercation at the former Popworld nightclub in Hertford on 19th March 2023.
The court heard that Palmer had started a verbal disagreement with the victim on the dancefloor after being asked to leave the man’s female friend alone.
It was during this confrontation that Palmer picked up a glass bottle and hit the man in the head. The victim suffered significant injuries, including permanent scarring because of the incident.
Palmer attempted to exit the venue through a fire door but was escorted out by security.
Police were alerted, and officers were able to identify Palmer using the nightclub’s ID scanning system.
He was arrested on 31st March, and charges were subsequently authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Alongside the five-year sentence for GBH, Palmer was given four additional months in prison for breaching a suspended sentence order related to a previous assault offence.
Investigator Gary Bangs, from the East Herts Criminal Investigation Department, described the attack as "unprovoked and violent."
“This was an unprovoked and violent attack on a young man, who was simply enjoying a night out with a group of friends," Bangs said.
“I’d like to praise the victim and witnesses for their strength and dignified manner throughout the trial and sentencing.
“Palmer now has a significant amount of time in prison to reflect on his actions," Bangs added.
Palmer had also been charged with sexual assault by touching on the same night but was found not guilty of this offence during the trial.