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Son and father avoid jail after attacking doorman at Gillespies bar in Folkestone

A drunk ex-builder knocked out a bouncer with one punch in an unprovoked attack, before his father set upon the unconscious victim.

Samuel McCullough, 28, blind-sided Blerim Gashi forcing him to stagger backwards falling into a table losing consciousness at the Gillespies bar in Folkestone.

Gillespies in Folkestone
Gillespies in Folkestone

McCullough’s father Michael, 51, then punched and kicked Mr Gashi who was on the floor, unable to defend himself.

The duo have been handed suspended prison sentences at Canterbury Crown Court.

Speaking after the hearing the victim, a karate student of 35 years, said the assault left him with life-changing injuries.

He said: “Having been attacked it makes you more weary and more prone to panic. It constantly feels like something bad is going to happen.

"I don’t think justice was done it makes me sad to say that.

The pair were given suspended sentences at Canterbury Crown Court
The pair were given suspended sentences at Canterbury Crown Court

“It has affected me in various ways, from my working life to looking after the children - I don’t know what the future will hold.”

The father-of-three added he was left with nerve damage, spasms, dizziness and severe headaches for months after the assault last December.

He told the court his injuries made personal care difficult and he became depressed and in debt after being off work.

CCTV footage showed Samuel McCullough drawing up to the doorman and catching him unaware with a single punch to the face.

Mr Gashi fell backwards onto a table, apparently injuring his head and then Michael McCullough could be seen punching and kicking him.

The attack took place at Gillespies bar in Harbour Street, Folkestone
The attack took place at Gillespies bar in Harbour Street, Folkestone

The court heard the attack happened soon after Mr Gashi ejected an intoxicated woman from the pub.

Michael McCullough has previously racked up six convictions for six offences.

His barrister Peter Alcock claimed he was “remorseful”.

Samuel McCullough, of previous good character, was “ashamed”, according to barrister James Cartwright.

Judge Catherine Brown told the pair they had “behaved like thugs”.

Samuel McCullough, of Dallas Brett Crescent, Folkestone, and Michael McCullough, of Archer Road, were handed 12 month prison terms suspended for 18 months.

They were also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

They must pay the victim £750 and £250 respectively in compensation.

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