[A] MAN who knocked out a Royal Marine with a single punch in a Carlisle bar has been jailed.
Dean Eric Mallinson, 26, launched an unprovoked attack on Jonathan Whittaker in Botchergate’s House of Vodka – and then fled as his victim lay unconscious on the ground.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Mr Whittaker needed hospital treatment and surgery after suffering a fractured ankle during the incident last December. At the time, the 24-year-old had just passed out of the Marines after completing initial training, and was awaiting details of his posting.
Mr Whittaker’s dream career was “derailed” by the assault, the court heard. He had now been given a two-year window to get himself “combat-fit”.
Mallinson, of Smithfield, Kirklinton, north of Carlisle, admitted causing grievous bodily harm, and also a perverting the course of justice charge having threatened Mr Whittaker on a later date and offered him £2,000 to drop criminal proceedings.
Mallinson was jailed for two years by Judge James Adkin, who noted of the victim: “He doesn’t know if he can continue the career as a Marine.”
