Brothers attacked man in fracas at bar

Domenico Santoro, 23, of Pierston Avenue, North Shore, and Giovanni Santoro, 31, of Sherwood Avenue, Layton, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on a 52-year-old man, who had been out celebrating a pal’s 50th birthday.

The victim had tried to intervene when Giovanni Santoro was arguing with door staff at the Ma Kelly’s venue on Queen’s Promenade in the early hours of September 30.

When he left the venue moments later he was set upon by the brothers, Preston Crown Court was told.

Prosecuting Karen Brooks said: “At 2am the group moved to Ma Kellys on Queens Promenade towards Bispham. They shared a bottle of Prosecco and stayed at the venue for an hour. At that time staff began to call time to leave. There was an argument between someone in their group and someone with the defendants’ group.

“In addition there was an argument between Giovanni Santoro and the security staff.

“The victim observed shouting and abusive behaviour towards the staff and as a result he intervened and stated Gio should do as he was requested.

“He recollects the response he received was he would see him outside.”

The court was told the victim lost consciousness and an ambulance was called to take him to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was found to have extensive swelling and bruising to his right eye and cheek.

X-rays were inconclusive but he returned to hospital on October 6, with dizziness and pain and it was found he had a fractured cheekbone.

Defending, Lloyd Morgan described the men as “of good, if not exemplary character”.

He added: “Their family are utterly ashamed of their behaviour and bitterly regret the injuries that were caused to the victim. It almost goes without saying they are remorseful for their actions that night.

“Both young men are employed, and Giovanni is married with a young child.”

Judge Andrew Wolman said: “This was a disgraceful incident at 2am in the morning, the victim seemingly doing his best to calm things down. Whatever was going on inside, he didn’t deserve what happened outside.

“You Domenico kicked him once to the head - that’s an extremely dangerous thing to do, and you, Giovanni, punched him. That left him unconscious on the ground.

“You’re both young men with no previous convictions. You’re both described as being of exemplary character and that stands you in very good stead.”

The judge also imposed 150 hours of unpaid work and ordered them to pay £1,000 compensation each.