Man jailed for attack in town centre nightclub

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A man has been jailed after he punched another man in the face, breaking his jaw, during an unprovoked attack in a town centre nightclub.

The day after the attack the victim died. An inquest into his death recorded a narrative verdict.

Daniel Mowe, 27, of Belfield Lane brutally attacked 32-year-old Taghlib Hilmi in 'Honeyz' nightclub two years ago.

Mowe pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent in January and was jailed for two and a half years on Friday (6 February).

On the afternoon of Saturday 14 April 2007 Taghlib Hilmi went to North Manchester General Hospital to receive treatment to his injuries but before undergoing the surgery he needed to fix his jaw he left the hospital.

About two and a half hours later, at around 3.20am on 15 April 2007, Taghlib was found in a collapsed condition under a bridge on the Edenfield Bypass in Lancashire.

Paramedics were called and he was taken to Burnley Hospital, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

An inquest into the exact circumstances surrounding Taghlib's death was held in August 2008. The coroner recorded a narrative verdict.

On the night of the attack Taghlib was out in Rochdale with his younger brother and his friend.

In the early hours of 14 April they went to 'Honeyz' on South Parade.

When they got inside Taghlib went to the bar, where Mowe was standing.

Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, Mowe punched Taghlib in the face. He fell to the floor and a scuffle ensued.

Security staff at the club grabbed Mowe and ejected him. He was in such a frenzied state that it took three of them to remove him from the club.

Taghlib Hilmi had multiple fractures to his jaw following the assault.

Detectives viewed CCTV footage from the club, and spoke to the staff working on the night of the attack.

A few days later Mowe was arrested.

In a search of his house officers found a D&G t-shirt that he could clearly be seen wearing on the CCTV.

Mowe was charged with a section 18 assault on 24 April 2007.

Detective Constable Ross Collison, who investigated this assault, said: "For no apparent reason Daniel Mowe attacked Taghlib Hilmi whilst he was out socialising with his brother and a friend, leaving Taghlib with what can only be described as appalling injuries.

"This attack on their son was bad enough, but Taghlib's subsequent death has had a devastating effect on his family, particularly his parents. I really hope they will be able to seek some closure after today's result."