A 22-year-old man who attacked hotel staff with a wine glass after taking cocaine for the first time has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Incident at Royal Leonardo Hotel
Oliver Huckerby, from Hertfordshire, was convicted on three counts of GBH with intent at Inner London Crown Court on March 6. He had already pleaded guilty to GBH without intent and assaulting an emergency worker.
The court heard that Huckerby had been drinking heavily at the Royal Leonardo Hotel in the City of London on December 16, 2023, following the death of his grandmother. He shared two bottles of wine with friends before taking cocaine in the hotel toilets.
When he was later refused entry to the rooftop bar due to his intoxicated state, he lashed out at staff, attacking them with a wine glass.
Violent Rampage
- Security guard Daniel Lessie was struck twice in the face with the broken wine glass, causing deep wounds. He suffered mental health struggles and financial hardship after being unable to work for nine months.
- Bartender Khadar Said was punched in the face with the glass stem, leaving a 6cm wound down to his skull. He was later diagnosed with PTSD and had to change careers.
- Security guard Marcel Seaka was also attacked, suffering a jagged wound to his face. He told the court he still struggles to eat and sleep due to glass fragments embedded in his skin.
Huckerby then fled the hotel with his girlfriend but was later arrested by City of London Police. While in custody at a hospital, he assaulted a police officer by throwing water at him.
Courtroom Proceedings
During the trial, Huckerby claimed he had no memory of the attack due to intoxication. However, the jury rejected this defense.
His lawyer described the attack as “two minutes of madness” and said Huckerby had never taken drugs before. The defense also pointed to his previous good character, caring for his grandfather and maintaining employment.
Judge’s Sentencing Remarks
Judge Vanessa Baraitser acknowledged that Huckerby’s actions were out of character but criticised his violent outburst:
“That night, no doubt fuelled by drink and drugs, you went on a rampage, breaking the glass in your hand on the face of Mr. Lessie, then lashing out at anyone who came within striking distance.”
The judge emphasised that staff members were simply doing their jobs and that Huckerby’s intoxication only worsened the severity of the offence.
Final Sentence
Huckerby was sentenced to seven years in prison for the attacks.
The case highlights the dangers of alcohol and drug-fueled violence, with severe consequences for both the victims and the perpetrator.
Further updates will follow if an appeal is lodged.
