'Wholly reprehensible violent conduct': Thug injured three students in headbutt attack over spilled drink at Leeds nightclub

Stephen Nolan assaulted the three men during the incident at Leeds University Student Union's Stylus bar.

Leeds Crown Court heard how the attacks took place in the early hours of June 22, 2019.

Joseph Hudson, prosecuting, said Nolan approached one of the students and accused him of bumping into him.

The students moved away but Nolan approached them a short time later and headbutted the same man.

The second victim tried to intervene but was also headbutted butted by Nolan.

The 23-year-old defendant then approached the third victim and asked him for some money.

He was also headbutted when he refused to hand over any cash.

Nolan, of Somerdale Grove, Bramley, denied the attacks but was picked out by all three victims at an identity procedure.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

One of the victims needed dental work after suffering chipped teeth.

He was also left covered in blood as the blow connected with his nose.

John Batchelor, mitigating, said Nolan was aged 21 at the time of the attack and had not been in trouble since the incident.

Mr Batchelor said Nolan now has a 16-month old child and worked hard to support his family.

The officer said: "Someone spilled his drink and he asked them to pay for it.

"He wishes he could turn back the clock."

Nolan was given a 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Nolan was made the subject of a curfew order for three months.

Judge Simon Phillips QC said: "You engaged in dunken, loutish and aggressive behaviour.

"It was wholly reprehensible violent conduct."