Man who broke woman's jaw in unprovoked attack is jailed

A man who left a woman with a broken jaw after an unprovoked attack during a night out in Chesterfield has been jailed.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was out with friends when she was approached by Francis Billyeald who punched her twice in the face – leaving her requiring surgery to her jaw.

Following the attack in Corporation Street in the early hours of 21 May 2022, Billyeald was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The 22-year-old, of Top Road, Calow, admitted the charge and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on Monday 23 October when he was jailed for two years and three months.

Francis Billyeald

Detective Sergeant Mark Webb, who led the investigation, said: “The victim in this case was enjoying a night out when she was attacked for no reason by a man she’d never met before.

“Billyeald was heavily intoxicated when he committed this appalling act of violence which has left a young woman with a significant injury.

“While we know the vast majority of people do enjoy Chesterfield’s night-time economy safely, we would encourage everyone to please drink responsibly and to know their limits.

“Billyeald’s prison sentence is a stark reminder of the very real consequences that alcohol related violence can have.”