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Thug jailed after smashing bottle over man's head

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date12 April 2024
Publication titleEvening Chronicle
Michael Gallagher decided to get inebriated because he was chuffed with the outcome of a court case in which he was sentenced for theft and public disorder

Having stolen a large bottle of whisky from a shop in South Shields, the shopkeeper told the victim, who challenged Gallagher about it.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the two men ended up arguing and squaring up because Gallagher would not admit his guilt and apologise. He then struck the other man over the head with the bottle, knocking him to the ground, where he then kicked him.

Now the 34-year-old, of Ridley Terrace, Heworth, Gateshead, who has more than 100 previous convictions, including for serious violence, has been jailed.

The court heard the victim had gone into the newsagents, where he is a regular customer, on April 12 last year. He was paying for some shopping when the shopkeeper mentioned Gallagher had stolen from him.

He raised it because he believed Gallagher had stayed at his home before.

Emma Dowling, prosecuting, said the man "took the theft rather personally" and asked someone else to go and get Gallagher and bring him to the shop.

When he arrived they began to argue. Miss Dowling said: "Words were exchanged.

"It became more heated because the defendant would not accept taking anything and would not apologise." The victim was heard by an independent witness to say "say sorry or I will chin you" and "don't disrespect the guy, I will bang you clean out where you stand".

Gallagher then said "do you even know who you are talking to like. Outside, outside".

Miss Dowling said: "The witness noted both men were unsteady through alcohol. Mr Gallagher had a bottle of whisky and the complainant a bottle of beer. Both men left the shop and they were still arguing outside." They squared up to each other and the victim grabbed Gallagher by the throat and Gallagher hit him over the head with the whisky bottle.

It didn't break but left him dazed and he then kicked him to the face and stomach before members of the public intervened.

The witness who had watched events unfold took a picture...

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