Martial arts fighter sentenced after one-punch attack in Nottingham

A martial arts fighter who left a vulnerable man with a brain bleed after an attack at a pub has been sentenced.
Kanan Scotney punched the victim once in the face during a random attack in the beer garden of the pub in St James’s Street, Nottingham.

The victim fell backwards and hit his head on a table before falling to the floor.

Scotney walked away from the smoking area and left the pub without checking the man’s welfare after the incident, which took place at around 10.30pm on August 16, 2023.

A short time later he returned to search for a bracelet he had lost during the attack.
The victim, who was already in a serious health condition, was taken to hospital where it was discovered that he had suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Scotney, aged 30, of Hereford Road, Nottingham, was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (October 8).
He had previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

Detective Sergeant Simon Carter of Nottinghamshire Police said:

“Officers found the victim extremely disoriented when they arrived at the pub.

“He was also concerned about a pre-existing medical condition following this unprovoked and violent attack.

“Scotney may not have intended to cause the injuries he did, but he is a powerfully built man trained in martial arts.

“Just one blow can be a life-changing event for both the perpetrator and the victim and given the vulnerability of the latter, it is fortunate in this case that he was not injured more seriously.

“This type of violence has no place in our night-time economy and will always be met with a strong police response.”