Man who assaulted woman with champagne bottle at a bar in Soho receives a prison sentence

William Hilton, 37, was sentenced to five years in prison with three years of extended licence after hitting a woman over the head with a champagne bottle and punching her in a central London bar. The incident occurred at Zebrano in Soho on May 14, 2022, after the woman, Gemma Scott, made insulting comments to one of Hilton’s sisters. The judge found Hilton legally dangerous as he became angry and decided to take matters into his own hands in response to the comments. The violence was deemed unprovoked and unjustified, with Ms. Scott suffering a cut to her scalp and a cut above her eyebrow as a result.

During the incident, Hilton hit Ms. Scott over the head with a bottle of Taittinger champagne and then punched her at least once as she fell to the floor unconscious in the bar. Security staff at the bar apprehended Hilton, leading to his arrest by the police. Despite denying hitting anyone with a bottle in a prepared statement to the police, Hilton was convicted of wounding with intent after a trial in February. Ms. Scott described feeling scared as a result of the incident, with a permanent scar above her left eyebrow serving as a reminder of the attack.

The court heard that Hilton had previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault in a nightclub in Harrow in September 2016. He had choked one man and punched another, causing injuries including a black eye and knocked-out teeth. Despite his history of violence, in mitigation it was argued that Hilton should not be considered legally dangerous, as he was remorseful and mortified by the incident. His defense highlighted that he had served in the armed forces and volunteered to deliver PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic, portraying him as someone willing to put himself in harm’s way to help others.

The judge at Southwark Crown Court emphasized the severity of Hilton’s actions, noting that his decision to react violently to the insulting comments made by Ms. Scott was unwarranted. Hilton’s lack of provocation and subsequent attack on the woman were deemed unjustified, leading to his conviction and sentencing to prison time. The impact of the incident on Ms. Scott, including physical injuries and emotional trauma, was also highlighted during the court proceedings. Despite his previous convictions for violent offenses, Hilton’s defense argued for leniency based on his remorse and past acts of service in the community.

Ultimately, William Hilton was found guilty of wounding with intent and sentenced to five years in prison with a three-year extended licence period. The judge’s decision to deem him legally dangerous was supported by the unprovoked and unjustified nature of his attack on Ms. Scott. The incident at the central London bar left the victim with physical scars and emotional distress, prompting a reflection on the impact of violent actions on individuals and communities. Hilton’s history of violence was taken into account during the sentencing, despite arguments for his remorse and past acts of service, highlighting the need to address and prevent violence in society.