Man jailed after one-punch assault outside pub

The 37-year-old went on the run, shaving off his hair and beard, before handing himself in at a police station

A man has been jailed after a one-punch attack outside a pub left his victim needing round-the-clock medical care.

Juraj Argay knocked a man in his 60s unconscious after being asked to leave the Hammer and Wedge Club in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, in the early hours of 19 January 2025, Nottinghamshire Police said.

The 37-year-old, of Clipstone Road, Edwinstowe, went on the run, shaving off his hair and beard, before handing himself in at a police station where he was arrested, the force added.

Argay was sentenced on Wednesday at Nottingham Crown Court to three-and-a-half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

Detectives discovered Argay had been drinking at the club and had behaved aggressively throughout the night, police said.

'Extremely serious injuries'

The force added he told a number of people he was a bare knuckle fighter and had been challenging other drinkers to an arm wrestle.

Argay was escorted from the venue by three people before he punched the victim once to the face, causing him to fall backwards and bang his head on the concrete floor, police said.

Emergency services were called to the pub at about 00:25 BST and the victim was taken to hospital for emergency surgery.

Det Con Jack Reasbeck said: "The case shows once again how just one punch can lead to extremely serious injuries and grave consequences for everyone involved.

"My thoughts remain with the victim's loved ones and officers will continue to support them."