Star of Gwent - Friday 29 July 1892 (and Cardiff Times - Saturday 30 July 1892)
SERIOUS ASSAULT AT NEWPORT. A Publican's Eye Knocked Out.
  At the Newport police-court, on Wednesday - before the Mayor (Alderman Davis) and Mr T. J. Beynon - John Ryan, an elderly man of respectable appearance, described as a stevedore, was charged with unlawfully wounding and causing grievous bodily harm to Captain David Michael, landlord of the Vulcan Hotel, Dock-street.
  Mr A H Oliver prosecuted and Mr W Lyndon Moore defended.
  Mr Oliver, in opening the case, said he was instructed to prosecute by the Licensed Victuallers' Association. Mr Michael was a retired sea captain and landlord of the Vulcan Hotel. The assault was committed on Tuesday evening, the 12th inst., about 10:30. Prisoner ordered some hot brandy and water. There was some slight delay in bringing the brandy, as the hot water was not quite ready. Prisoner complained of the delay, and one of the customers remonstrated with him for endeavouring, as he thought, to get the barmaid reprimanded by her master. Prisoner lost his temper, and began to abuse the customer. The landlord was resting in the back room, and his wife, Mrs. Michael, called him out for fear there be a disturbance in the house. He came out, and prisoner, becoming quiet, stretched across the counter and shook hands with Mr. Michael, although he did not know him. Shortly afterwards, prisoner again commenced the disturbance, and Mr Michael, walking around the bar, requested him to leave. Prosecutor slightly touched his arm, and went towards the door. When he got outside the house, he immediately turned around on the pavement. The landlord stood on the door, and the prisoner made use of abominable language. He made a rush at the landlord, and struck him in the eye with an umbrella. As a result of the attack, Mr Michael had lost an eye, and, if they considered the case proved, he would ask them to commit the prisoner for trial.
  P.C. Mark Faulkes gave evidence to effect that at 10.40 p.m. on the 12th inst., he was on duty with his brother in Dock-street, when he saw prisoner come out of the Vulcan Hotel. He stood on the footway, and the landlord stood on the doorstep. Witness heard prisoner say "Is that the way you treat men you -- thing," and made a rush at the landlord with something in his hand. He then ran away, and was stopped by a man named Wheelen. Witness took him back to the hotel, and saw Mr Michael bleeding from the left eye. He said that the prisoner had pushed an umbrella in his eye, and added that his eye was gone. Prisoner said, "It's a pity I did not poke the other out." Ryan was taken to the police office, and he there said. "I only wish I had poked the other eye out." He was slightly intoxicated.
  In reply to Mr Moore, witness said that prisoner appeared to be very angry and excited. He had since told him that he had been under the care of two doctors.
  P.C. Thomas Faulkes gave similar evidence.
  Prosecutor spoke as to the disturbance in the house, and said the prisoner went out quietly. He did not speak an angry word. Witness stood on the top of the doorstep, and prisoner, after muttering something, rushed at him, and the first thing he felt was the umbrella in his eye. Prisoner held the umbrella in both hands, and as he had gone out so quietly, witness was not prepared for the attack. Witness saw Dr. Paton the same night, and he advised him to consult a specialist. Dr. Paton took him to Dr. Thompson at Cardiff, where he remained for a week. On the second day, his eye was removed, and he still suffered considerable pain.
  By Mr More: He could not say whether it was a poke, a thrust, or blow.
  Daniel Sullivan, 120 Dock-street, who also gave evidence, said the landlord used no force towards prisoner. When outside the door prisoner said, "I won't come into your -- house any more," and Michael replied "I don't want your custom." Captain Michael waved his hand, and said "Go on, go on." Prisoner then appeared to strike prosecutor, who then turned around to witness and said "Good God, I have lost my eye."
  George Wheelan, 2 Granville-street, gave evidence as to prisoner's conduct in the house.
  Dr R. J. Paton said that on the night of the 12th, he was called to the Vulcan Hotel, where he saw the landlord, and examined the left eye. He found that the globe was ruptured, and the fluid part was escaping. That was sufficient evidence that the sight of the eye was destroyed. Next day he went with Mr Michael to Cardiff, and Dr Thompson said in his presence that the eye would have to be removed. Prosecutor remained in Cardiff for a week, and on his return, witness found that the eye had been removed. Further complications might arise, and the other eye might be affected.
  The Mayor: Is the point of an umbrella such a thing as would cause it? - Witness: Yes, sir.
  In reply to further questions, Dr. Paton said there must have been considerable force.
  The Mayor having intimated that prisoner would be committed for trial, Mr Moore said he would reserve his defence. Prisoner wished him to express his deep and heartfelt regret that the incident should have had such serious and lamentable results to Captain Michael.
  Prisoner pleaded not guilty, but he was committed for trial to the next Assizes. Bail was allowed, prisoner himself in £50 and two sureties of £25 each.