Ronan McDonald
Ronan McDonald

A man who carried out an unprovoked attack on a man in pub in Carlisle has been jailed.

Ronan McDonald, 26, of South Balfern, Kirkinner was sentenced to two years on Wednesday 9 October at Carlisle Crown Court for attempted grievous bodily harm.

The court heard that on the 3 December 2023, whilst on the dancefloor in a pub on Botchergate in Carlisle McDonald punched the victim in an unprovoked attack knocking him to the floor.

He continued the assault punching the victim and stamping on his head leaving the victim unconscious, with cuts and a broken tooth.

McDonald attempted to flee the scene but was detained by door staff where he was subsequently arrested. 

Detective Constable Lisa Atkinson said: “This was a completely unprovoked assault which could easily have resulted in more serious injuries.

“Acts of violence are unacceptable and Cumbria Police will do everything we can to make sure those who engage in such acts of violence are brought to justice, and take steps to deter this behaviour in areas identified as hotspots for violence.

“We would urge people to take a stand against violence and report any such offences to the police immediately so that action can be taken.”

Botchergate is one of the areas identified as a hotspot as part of Operation Enhance which launched in July this year targeting anti-social behaviour and/or serious violence.

Operation Enhance sees extra police patrols which were made possible thanks to £1 million of extra funding secured by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to target anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspot areas across the county.

These high visibility patrols will also target those who commit serious violence in these areas too – including arson, robbery and violence including sexual assaults - to ensure the safety of our communities.