Punch attack left victim with life-changing injury

Nathan Williams admitted wounding inflicting grievous bodily harm

A man who left his victim with life-changing injuries after attacking him in the street has been jailed.

Nathan Williams, 41, punched the man - who was known to him - once in George Street, Rishton, in the early hours of 17 June 2023 after an argument, Lancashire Police said.

The victim, who is in his 20s, fell and banged his head on the concrete floor and was taken to hospital with a bleed on the brain.

Williams, of Primrose Bank in Blackburn, admitted wounding inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent at Preston Crown Court. He was jailed for three years.

'Catastrophic injuries'

In a statement to the court, the victim said he was placed in an induced coma with a "bleed on my brain and had to have the front part of my skull removed".

He added: "I was told that if they didn't remove part of my skull I could die due to the swelling.

"My family were told that there was an 80% chance of dying."

He said he had two metal plates fitted in his skull.

"I still don't know what the long-term effects will be in terms of my health and just hope that I am not affected in later life," his statement continued.

Det Sgt Cheryl Taylor said Williams "caused catastrophic injuries to the victim" in the "unprovoked attack".

"Whilst I acknowledge the defendant did not intend the outcome, this case reflects the potential for horrific outcomes whenever people choose to use violence," she said.