Man “lashed out” in “animalistic attack” after downing 16 vodkas on Boxing Day in pub.

A man from Cramlington launched a brutal, unprovoked attack on a stranger during Boxing Day celebrations in Blyth, leaving the victim scarred for life.

Ritchie Jefferson, 25, had downed 16 double vodkas in three hours before he lashed out without warning in a busy pub, leaving his victim “absolutely covered in blood” with a broken nose, deep facial cuts, and lasting trauma.

The court heard the victim had only drunk four pints and was standing peacefully in the bar when Jefferson struck him repeatedly in the face. He later awoke in hospital with serious injuries and now suffers PTSD, breathing issues, and permanent disfigurement.

Jefferson, who had prior convictions and was already on a community order at the time, admitted unlawful wounding. Despite the severity of the assault, he avoided jail and was handed a two-year suspended sentence, 150 hours of unpaid work, £2,500 compensation, and a five-year restraining order.

The judge said the violent act was “utterly senseless, unnecessary and unprovoked.”