‘An evening out with a good friend modified my life ceaselessly due to stranger assault’

Paul Filtness suffered a life-changing facial damage within the “violent and unprovoked” assault at Bentley’s Bar in Clacton, within the early hours of Feburary 10, 2019.

Stranger Zac Jagger, 27, hit him throughout the face whereas his again was turned utilizing a pointy belt wrapped round his wrist.

Police rushed to the scene to search out Mr Filtness – who had been on an evening out with a good friend – with a critical slash wound to his face.

He acquired pressing hospital remedy, however the damage proved life-changing.

Three years on, Mr Filtness’ wound has healed however nonetheless causes him ache, whereas he struggles with the emotional fall-out of his ordeal.

“I do know that I’m actually fortunate,” he stated. “ The sensation is coming again in my face and my speech hasn’t been affected, however each time I look within the mirror, I’m reminded of what occurred.

“What folks can’t at all times see is the psychological influence it’s had. I turned actually unwell the 12 months after it occurred and nonetheless have common counselling to assist with my psychological well being.

“Having to elucidate to my youngsters that their dad was attacked on an evening out for no motive has been heart-breaking.”

Whereas investigating the assault, Essex Police discovered Jagger had additionally driver a automobile at a gaggle of individuals in November 2021 after an altercation in Orwell Street, Clacton – leaving a younger lady injured and needing hospital consideration.

On February 14 this 12 months, Jagger plead responsible to 2 counts of wounding with intent, affray, harmful driving and perverting the course of justice at Chelmsford Crown Court docket.

“I’m underneath no phantasm – I do know Jagger didn’t admit to attacking me to do the precise factor,” stated Mr Filtness.

“My life has been on pause for almost three years and he might have owned up at any level.

“To at the present time, I nonetheless ask myself why anybody would go away the home carrying a weapon apart from to harm somebody. I simply can’t think about what kind of individual would ever make that call.

“I nonetheless should stand up and go to work day-after-day, keep it up and put what occurred to me apart, however that didn’t even enter Jagger’s thoughts when he attacked me.”

On August 10, Jagger, of Alton Park Street, Clacton, was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment and a further 4 on prolonged license for the 2 violent assaults.

Mr Filtness stated that though no sentence would ever make up for his assault, he’s grateful Jagger will serve time in jail.

“I’m glad we’ve lastly reached a conclusion, however I don’t suppose any period of time will make up for what he did to me, or what he did to anybody else,” he stated.

“I don’t need this to outline me and I don’t need Jagger to remove any extra of my life.

“Now I can deal with therapeutic mentally and being the very best dad I might be to my two children, who’re my world.”

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Dan Jeffries described Jagger’s assault as “really violent and unprovoked”.

”He assaulted an entire stranger having fun with his night time out with a good friend,” he stated.

“His actions left Paul with life-long bodily and emotional accidents, which rippled out to his household and buddies and left an enduring influence on the Clacton neighborhood.

“I need to thank him for his energy and willpower in supporting this case by way of to the courts, and I do know he’ll need to thank his family and friends for his or her assist.

“I hope this enables Paul to start out the subsequent chapter in his life, figuring out that the individual accountable is behind bars.”