Man convicted after punch left victim with 'catastrophic head injuries' in Blackpool pub car park during Euros

A jury has found a man guilty of grievous bodily harm after he punched his victim in the face, leaving him with catastrophic head injuries.

The assault happened outside the Clarence Pub on Preston New Road on July 14 2024 which was the night of the Euro 24 final in which England played Spain.

Luke Bagshaw had been at the pub watching the final and later was in the carpark where a dispute between a group of people developed – this was unrelated to the football.

Bagshaw was seen to approach the group and punch the man, in an attack that witnesses described as unprovoked.

The blow knocked the man – aged in his late 50s – unconscious and he fell to the floor. An ambulance was called and the victim was taken to hospital.

A CT scan showed he had suffered traumatic bleeding on the brain, swelling and inflammation, and a two skull fractures leaving him in hospital for months to recover. He had to learn to walk independently again.

Following the assault, Lancashire Police launched an investigation and Bagshaw was arrested two days later when he presented himself at Blackpool Police Station.

At Preston Crown Court last week (July 3), Bagshaw, 35, of Preston New Road, Blackpool, was found guilty by a jury following a trial of Section 20 causing grievous bodily harm.

He will return to court to be sentenced on 28th September.