Blackpool musician appalled by attacker's £150 fine for GBH after his ear was almost ripped off

Guitarist George Hillier, 46, was performing at the former Gillespies pub on Topping Street the night he was attacked, in April 2017.

In court, magistrates heard how Mr Hillier had approached Nicholas Shorrock, whose girlfriend he had had issues with in the past, and told him that if they had any problems they should not bring it to his workplace.

He was then punched in the side of the head by Shorrock in what Recorder Katherine Pierpoint called an ‘unprovoked attack’.

Shorrock, 43, of Boundary Street, Blackpool, had denied causing grievous bodily harm to the musician, but was found guilty after a trial.

His was sent to Preston’s Sessions House Court for sentence last month. He was ordered to pay Mr Hillier £150 compensation, and must obey a curfew.

Mr Hillier said: “I needed 11 stitches and all I got was £150 compensation.

“How is that fair? I had to have the top part of my ear re-attached.”

Mr Hillier, who lives in North Shore with his fiancee Melissa Dibdin, said he now suffers from anxiety and agorophobia as a result of the attack.

He claims he had to give up his music business due to his mental health problems and had to move out of his three bedroom house.

He also had to give up his beloved Akita dog.

He said: “The whole thing just started a chain reaction of bad luck and misfortune.

“I hate being out in public. I’m so anxious about loud noises and fast movements anywhere around me.

“My life at the moment is like a soap opera when all I want is a quiet life.

“I feel like I drew the short end of the stick. Even though he was found guilty, I’m the one suffering for it. I’m serving the sentence.

“I feel let down by the justice system. The real criminals are walking away with nothing but a slap on the wrist and the victims are getting left to rot. It’s time something changed.”