UPDATE: A former soldier, John Rutter, has been sentenced following a violent confrontation on the dancefloor of a Newcastle city centre bar during New Year celebrations. The incident occurred at the Switch bar in the early hours of January 1, 2024, leaving the victim, a 27-year-old man, with serious injuries.
The court heard that Rutter, aged 38 and from Whickham, Gateshead, assaulted a man he had previously dated after feeling provoked by a conversation. Rutter had just been dumped by his lover when he encountered another man he had dated, leading to a confrontation that spiraled out of control. Witnesses reported seeing Rutter dancing aggressively before he approached the victim and struck him multiple times.
The victim, who had been on a few dates with Rutter in 2023, suffered a dislocated shoulder, bruising, and scratches as a result of the attack. Door staff at the bar intervened and ejected Rutter from the premises. He later admitted to the charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
During sentencing, Judge Tom Moran provided a stark account of the events, stating, “You were very angry and were bigger and stronger than him. You grabbed him by the throat and punched him a number of times.” Rutter received a 12-month suspended sentence, along with a five-month electronically monitored curfew from 7 PM to 7 AM.
The emotional impact on the victim was significant. In a victim impact statement, he expressed feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-consciousness following the assault. “This incident has left me feeling vulnerable and fearful in social situations,” he stated.
Rutter’s defense attorney, Spencer Downey, characterized the incident as out of character for his client, emphasizing his remorse and embarrassment over his actions. Downey noted that Rutter has struggled with his sexuality and has faced personal challenges since being medically discharged from military service.
As this story unfolds, community members are left questioning the safety of nightlife in Newcastle and the impact of such violent outbursts. Authorities urge anyone affected by similar incidents to seek help and report any further violence.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
