Court appearance for violent legal high user

A legal high user who smashed a pint glass into a man’s head whilst under their influence has appeared in court.

Mr. Tony Alan Nye, 30, from Bideford in Devon, made his appearance at the North Devon Magistrates Court last Friday. Several charges were made against him including theft, assault and the obstruction of a police officer. Mr. Nye pleaded guilty to all the charges.

The theft had taken place in July 2015 when Mr. Nye stole several electronic items. The assault occurred in December 2015 on the Isle of Wight. According to the prosecution, Mr. Nye had been chatting amiably whilst drinking in a bar when he had been told by an unnamed person to change his subject of conversation. Mr. Nye reacted violently and, without warning, smashed a pint glass into the person’s head. The victim of his assault had minor scratches on his face. Mr. Nye also received an injury and was taken to hospital under arrest.

Representing the probation service, Mel Wright claimed that Mr. Nye suffered with alcohol and mental health problems. In regard to the assault on the Isle of Wight, Lawrence Overend, defending, said Mr. Nye was unable to believe he had acted in such a manner and regretted the incident. He also said Mr. Nye had been diagnosed as being bipolar but had ceased to receive medication, which in turn led him to self-medicate.

A suspended sentence was given to Mr. Nye for all of the offences.