Man Jailed for Vicious Attack on Birmingham Bar Worker

A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for a violent assault on a bar worker in Birmingham city centre.

David Ryan was drinking at The Sunflower Lounge on Smallbrook Queensway on 28 January 2023, following a friend’s wake. According to evidence presented at Birmingham Crown Court, he became angry with a barman who eventually asked him to leave the premises. Ryan then ignored the barman’s attempts to disengage.

The court heard that Ryan struck the barman over the head with a glass, delivered multiple punches, and headbutted him. At trial, Ryan claimed he was experiencing psychosis during the incident; however, the judge refused to delay proceedings for further medical reports. Ryan subsequently failed to attend the following day, and the trial continued in his absence.

Ryan was found guilty of wounding with intent. On 9 September, he was sentenced to five and a half years in prison.

Judge Simon Ash described Ryan as “not honest and reliable” and said his failure to appear was an attempt to manipulate the court process. The judge stated, “I am quite satisfied you were not suffering psychosis at the time of the incident. You committed the offence because you were intoxicated, angry at the victim for not giving you attention, and because he asked you to leave the pub.”

The victim suffered a facial scar from the attack and reported experiencing nightmares and panic attacks since. In a victim statement, he expressed confusion over the assault, saying, “I didn’t do anything to him. I have no idea why he tried to harm me. It seems as though he didn’t care.”

Defence barrister Claire Mawer explained that Ryan had been distressed after attending his friend’s suicide wake and was caring for his late father. She acknowledged Ryan’s problematic relationship with alcohol and highlighted positive steps he had taken while in custody, including participating in rehabilitation courses, gaining a gardening job, and becoming an enhanced prisoner.

Ms Mawer noted that this was Ryan’s first custodial sentence and that he expressed remorse and a willingness to engage in restorative justice. Despite this, Judge Ash concluded that Ryan had not shown genuine remorse, particularly as he contested the trial.

Ryan resides in West Park Avenue, Northfield.