Exclusive:Man knocked unconscious as argument over Portuguese speakers in Barnsley pub erupts into violence
“What you did was not self defence,” the judge said
An argument over people speaking Portuguese in a Barnsley pub ended erupted into violence and resulted in a man being knocked unconscious and suffering long-term hearing loss.
The incident took place in July 2025, when Graham Aspinall and Richard Middleton “squared up” at the Ship Inn on Park Road in Barnsley, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
Footage of the altercation was shown during a hearing on Wednesday, June 3.
The row ended when 44-year-old Aspinall punched Richard twice, knocking him unconscious.
Prosecuting barrister, Stephanie Hollis, told the court that Richard had “taken umbrage at some Portuguese males in the bar.”
The court was told how Richard believed that the Portuguese men had been speaking in their own language to discuss people they didn’t like.
After complaining at the bar, he went to Aspinall to ask what he thought and was asked why he hadn’t “simply spoken to the males while in the pub,” Ms Hollis said.
“The complainant said ‘oh, you’re one of them’,” the prosecuting barrister added.
The argument progressed, with both men gesturing to go outside, the court was told.
CCTV footage in the pub caught the moment when Aspinall first punched Richard at the entranceway of the pub, before a member of staff tried to intervene.
Aspinall ignored the plea from staff to stop, the footage showed, with him punching Richard again, knocking him out.
Both men had been drinking before the altercation, the court was told.
“The complainant would say the incident has had a significant impact on his day to day life,” Ms Hollis said, as he explained how Richard suffered a cracked tooth, multiple fractures to the skull and a bleed on the brain as a result.
It was also explained in court how he has since suffered headaches and migraines, hearing loss and anxieties - with doctors suggesting that there may be a risk of seizures due to the injury.
The court was told how Aspinall had 45 previous offences dating between 1998 and 2015 - including an assault of a police officer and drink driving - however had maintained a clean record over the subsequent 10 years.
“Mr Aspinall wishes he had behaved differently,” his defence barrister, Chris Brewin, said in court.
“He wishes he had walked away.”
Mr Brewin said that his client had “difficulties” in his younger years that saw him get into trouble with the law, however has since attempted to improve his life, opening a roofing business and caring for his two children.
He explained how the victim’s behaviour was “animated” at the time of the incident, but added: “That certainly does not excuse my client’s actions.”
Sentencing, Recorder Rebecca Brown said:“What you did was not self defence.
“You committed a serious criminal offence with serious consequences.”
She concluded that after a trial, Aspinall would have been sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment, however considering the mitigating factors - including his guilty plea - lowered this to 22 months.
She went on to say that she was “just persuaded” that the sentence could be suspended.
The judge spoke of character references provided from friends and family, adding: “They speak to your usual good character - they say you are dedicated to your family.”
Aspinall was sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with an electronically monitored curfew between 8am to 8pm imposed for the next four months.
He will also have to attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.
A restraining order stopping Aspinall from contacting Richard was put into affect for the next five years.