Rugby fan ‘smashed glass into woman’s face after she threw drink at him’
A rugby fan reportedly glassed a woman after she threw a drink at him while the British & Irish Lions played Springboks, a London court heard.
Ben England, 27, of Hartswood Road, Hammersmith, and the claimant, Kim Graham, were exchanging pleasantries during the July 31 match at a Fulham pub.
But it all turned sour in the Wolfpack pub when Graham allegedly commented on the South African team, prompting Graham to throw her drink at him.
Isleworth Crown Court heard how England smashed his glass into her face.
He was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but an additional charge of racially aggravated inflicting grievous bodily harm has since been brought.
Police said at the time of the assault that the severity of England’s attack demonstrated hostility towards Graham because she was (or assumed she was) South African.
Malachy Pakenham, prosecuting, said: ‘They were not known to each other. They attended the pub in separate groups.
‘He engaged in a conversation with the complainant about the rugby match between South Africa and the Lions.
‘The conversation was initially friendly but it then turned into an argument.
‘She took offense in relation to a comment the defendant made in relation to the South African team. She threw a drink in his face.
‘He then smashed a glass into the side of her face.’
England was bailed ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on Friday.
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