Postman beaten unconscious awarded compensation

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A postman has been awarded almost £10,000 compensation after being beaten unconscious at an East Yorkshire leisure centre in front of his family, his solicitor confirmed.

Stephen Canham was holidaying at a Bridlington campsite with his wife and two daughters when the attack happened, following the FA Cup final in May 2006.

During the attack the 39-year-old claims one of the bouncers grabbed him by the throat and punched him in the face in front of his children. He said the other bouncer grabbed his arm and pulled it up his back while his colleague continued to punch him.

The ordeal began as he enjoyed a drink in the Makis Leisure Complex bar with his wife in the evening when his chair slipped, knocking the table behind. A female customer later complained he had spilt her drink.

Mr Canham, from Teesside, said he did not realise there was an issue until two security staff approached him and asked him to leave immediately.

He said: "I said I would leave but I wasn't really sure why. If I'd known I'd spilt someone's drink, I would have apologised."

Mr Canham said he was forced out of the leisure centre, in front of his family and a crowd of shocked onlookers, where the attack continued. He added: "While I was on the ground outside, one of the bouncers took a run up and kicked me in the face. At that point I lost consciousness."

James Reilly, from law firm Ralli, added: "This was an horrendous attack, witnessed by the victim's wife and two young children.

"Ralli sued the club who employed the bouncers for vicarious liability and we recovered by settlement, after proceedings were issued, £9,250. Up until then they had disputed liability. We are happy Stephen and his family can now put this case behind them."

No-one from Makis Leisure Complex was available for comment.



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