A man knocked a woman unconscious after throwing a sickening punch outside McDonald’s following an argument on a night out in Swansea city centre.

Joshua Hurford left Kirsty Louise Bowers knocked out and prone on the pavement after he struck her to the face outside the fast food restaurant in Oxford Street in the early hours of May 2 after a night out in nearby Wind Street.

Prosecutor Julie Sullivan told Swansea Magistrates' Court the victim had been out in Wind Street with a friend when an altercation took place involving 22-year-old Hurford and his friend.

Miss Bowers could not remember much concerning the initial incident as she was intoxicated at the time, the court heard. 

At 2.05am all four were outside McDonald’s when a further confrontation took place culminating in Hurford punching Miss Bowers in the face, knocking her unconscious and causing her to fall to the pavement.

CCTV footage played in court initially showed Hurford walking away from the area  in the direction of Princess Way before stopping and striking Miss Bowers.

Police arrived at the scene and arrested Hurford. He was later interviewed and he admitted punching her to the face, adding he was “provoked” by her.

“He said he was sorry for his actions,” Ms Sullivan said. “Although she was knocked unconscious she did not receive any visible injuries.”

Joshua Hurford outside Swansea Magistrates' Court
Joshua Hurford outside Swansea Magistrates' Court

Hurford, of Tawe Avenue in Hafod , Swansea, admitted assault by beating.

Mitigating on his behalf John Allchurch said: “He had been socialising in the city centre and there has been some trouble on Wind Street.

“The defendant was trying to walk away from the complainant outside McDonald’s and he eventually punched her to the floor and was arrested by police.

“He told me he is full of regret and ashamed of what happened. He is 22 years old, is a single man, lives with his parents, and is not working at present as he is on long-term sick.”

A pre-sentence report was requested and probation service officer Chris Collier said: “He rarely goes out drinking – only a few times a year. On this occasion he had been out with a friend drinking vodka and lager at Savana club when he noticed his friend fighting outside with another man.

“He said the victim had been hassling people in the establishment. 

“His friend had been unable to get back into the pub and they tried to go somewhere else. They tried to go to Peppermint but they were also refused entry there. They decided to go to McDonald's to get food to take home and the situation escalated.

“His friend began fighting again and he said the victim became abusive towards him and a rush of blood went to his head and he punched her.

“He realises what he did was wrong and feels remorseful for it. He realises what he did was put it order and has never done anything similar.”

Hurford was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a requirement that he completes 60 hours unpaid work. 

He must also complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, pay £100 compensation to Miss Bowers as well as £85 prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge.