Jail for man who "destroyed" friend's life (From Bucks Free Press)

Jail for man who "destroyed" friend's life after Wooburn Green assault

2:34pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Crime By Andy Carswell

A MAN who "destroyed" his friend's life after punching him to the floor has been jailed for two and a half years.

Matthew Wojtowicz was told he was lucky not to have killed Paul Bustin after hitting him in retaliation for a remark he made against his mother.

The 37-year-old punched Mr Bustin at least once, causing him to fall backwards and be knocked unconscious after hitting his head.

It left Mr Bustin in a coma for over a fortnight and Aylesbury Crown Court heard today he has no memory of his family.

Rebecca Fairbairn, prosecuting, told the court he will "never return to any form of employment" and it is possible he may have to live in a care home and require 24 hour attention.

She said Mr Bustin suffers from "severe brain injuries", now has epileptic seizures and there is "limited scope for future improvement".

Wojtowicz, of Abercromby Avenue, High Wycombe, was convicted by jurors of unlawful wounding following the attack, which happened on April 2 last year outside the Wooburn Green Working Men's club.

He reacted angrily to a comment made by Mr Bustin, although witnesses reported seeing him apologising for his actions as the pair went outside.

The court heard he has four previous convictions for violence, including for punching a policeman and starting a fight when asked to leave a pub.

Jailing Wojtowicz, Recorder Justin Rouse said he had shown "little remorse" for his actions.

He said: "It became immediately obvious Paul Bustin was bleeding from the head and was unconscious. Your reaction wasn't to stop and help but instead to run away. You didn't call any services to assist him.

"You were lucky that he didn't die.

"He lost his memory. He can't remember his wife, his children or his family. He can no longer look after himself. His small business employing two people is almost bound to fail. His life has been destroyed."

As Wojtowicz dabbed away tears with a tissue, the judge added: "I accept you were provoked by his behaviour but that is not a defence."