UPDATE: A night of celebration turned tragic in Middlesbrough when scaffolder Kyle Clark, 22, fractured the skull of his best friend during a drunken altercation. The incident occurred on June 27, 2024, as the two friends partied together to mark Clark’s release from prison.
Authorities report that Clark was celebrating after having his electronic tag removed. He previously served a 26-month sentence for a serious driving offense, where he crashed into two pedestrians while intoxicated. The judge noted the severity of that incident, which left one victim with a fractured pelvis and dislocated hips after being pinned against a wall.
The recent incident escalated after the friends continued drinking at the Swatters Carr pub. Prosecutor Anthony Pettengell revealed that the victim woke up in James Cook Hospital with a depressed skull fracture and bleeding on the brain, a direct result of Clark’s actions.
CCTV footage captured the moments leading up to the injury, showing the victim throwing punches at Clark, who retaliated by kicking him in the head. Clark later filmed a TikTok video, joking about the altercation with the caption: “When you put your best pal to sleep. I kicked him once.” This shocking admission came to light during court proceedings.
After the attack, Clark stayed with the victim until paramedics arrived. The victim spent five days in the hospital but has since recovered. In court, he expressed his feelings of loss, stating he has “lost his best friend.”
On Tuesday, Teesside Crown Court sentenced Clark to a 12-month prison term suspended for two years. The judge highlighted the potential severity of the charges, noting that Clark could have faced murder or manslaughter allegations had the victim’s injuries been worse.
Judge Jeremy Hill-Baker emphasized the gravity of kicking a downed opponent, stating, “What you did, quite viciously, was to kick him hard in the head.” He added that Clark’s remorse was evident, especially after realizing the extent of his friend’s injuries.
As part of his sentence, Clark is required to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation days. He is also prohibited from drinking alcohol for the next 120 days, monitored through an alcohol abstinence program. Additionally, he must pay his victim £500 in compensation, which the judge clarified does not fully cover the victim’s injuries.
Clark’s story serves as a stark reminder of how one night of excessive drinking can lead to irreversible consequences, affecting both victims and perpetrators. The emotional fallout from this incident continues as both friends navigate their changed relationship.
For continuous updates on this developing story, stay tuned for the latest news.
