Hotel Elermore: Jacob James refused bail over alleged glassing of pub patron
A police prosecutor has labelled an alleged glassing of a patron at Hotel Elermore as “disturbing”. Jacob James who was charged over the alleged incident was refused bail.
Newcastle
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A court has heard the “facts are disturbing” after an Edgeworth father allegedly smashed a schooner glass into the face of a man, causing a deep laceration, outside a Newcastle pub earlier this month.
Jacob James, 24, sobbed via video link as he was refused bail in Newcastle Local Court last week, despite offerings of strict bail conditions including not to enter the suburb of Elermore Vale.
Police allege two groups of men became involved in a verbal altercation at Hotel Elermore on Croudace Rd at around 11.45pm on July 11.
It escalated into a fight between two men — aged 26 and 38 — before police allege Mr James hit the older man in the face with a schooner glass which shattered on impact.
That’s alleged to have caused a massive brawl between the two groups.
The 38-year-old suffered a deep laceration to the right side of his face and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Following an investigation by Newcastle Police, Mr James was arrested at an address on Nott St, Edgeworth four days later.
He was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm - which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in jail - and breach of bail.
In Court, police prosecutor Ashley Cooper said it was a strong case against Mr James who was on bail at the time of the offence.
“No-one in their right mind would smash a glass in someones face,” Sergeant Cooper said
“This is a serious matter. He grabbed hold of the victim and forcibly smashed a glass into the victim.”
Magistrate Robert Stone told the court there could be a case of self defence, but indicated it was a serious incident.
“I have some reservations about that defence,” Magistrate Stone said.
“He may have well be affected by alcohol.”
Bail was refused with Mr James’ matter adjourned until September.