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Man sentenced after breaking victim's jaw in bar

BBC Bishop Street Courthouse is seen in the sunshine. A number of clouds can be seen in the background of the buildingBBC
Marc Mukendi, 37, of Grangemore Park in Londonderry, was convicted of assault inflicting grievous bodily harm in a bar on 13 January 2024

A man has been given a suspended sentence and fined for breaking another man's jaw and voice box in a barroom assault.

Marc Mukendi, 37, of Grangemore Park in Londonderry, was convicted of assault inflicting grievous bodily harm on 13 January last year.

Londonderry Magistrates' Court was told the encounter began with smiles and appeared minor, but quickly escalated.

Mukendi ended up headbutting the other man, causing what the judge described as a "massive" amount of damage to his larynx and jaw.

'From smiles to a horrendous assault'

District Judge Barney McElholm said he did not know how "it went from smiles to a horrendous assault".

He said his main concern was "the sheer amount of damage done" to the injured party.

The judge noted that while Mukendi had not armed himself beforehand, the injuries inflicted were still severe.

Mukendi was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for three years, and ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation.

The judge said this was to bring home "the enormity" of his actions.