Doctor receives suspended sentence for assault after missed reservation

A medical professional has been given a suspended prison sentence after headbutting a waiter in an intoxicated state, having arrived three hours late for a reservation. Nganjo Endeley, aged 42, caused a fracture to the eye socket of a 21-year-old employee at the Wafi Lounge in Newcastle in September 2021, as heard by the city’s crown court. The court was informed that Mr. Endeley and two companions became enraged upon discovering the bar had shut at 02:30 BST, three hours subsequent to their 23:30 booking time. Mr. Endeley, a father of three residing in Bowburn, Durham, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 21 months, along with a requirement to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. Prosecutor Joe Hedworth stated that on 12 September, the victim and a female co-worker were clearing tables outside the establishment when Mr. Endeley and his friends tried to gain entry. Mr. Hedworth explained that the three individuals, all intoxicated, were “politely” informed that the premises were closed, but they “immediately” turned aggressive, asserting they had a 23:30 booking. According to Mr. Hedworth, door staff attempted to de-escalate the situation, telling the men they wished to avoid a confrontation. However, Mr. Endeley seized the victim’s shirt with such force that the victim found it difficult to breathe. Mr. Endeley, whose address is Charlton Court, subsequently pulled the victim before striking him in the face with his head, rendering the man semi-unconscious. Medical imaging at the hospital confirmed a fracture to the victim’s eye socket, and in a court statement, the victim reported experiencing persistent pain and visual impairments as a result. While specifics of Mr. Endeley’s profession were not disclosed, the victim expressed being “angered” upon learning his assailant was a doctor, a professional expected to provide care for others. The waiter stated he “did not deserve” the assault, noting he was left with a noticeable indentation on his forehead and that Mr. Endeley ought to be “ashamed”. The individual revealed he had relocated to the UK as a refugee from Iraq in 2019, and the incident had caused him to live in “fear,” a sensation he “never thought” he would experience again after escaping his native country. During mitigation, Christopher Knox argued that the assault was brief. Judge Sarah Mallett commented that it was “very difficult to reconcile” the image of Mr. Endeley captured on CCTV with the “very consistent and compelling picture” of the man presented by numerous positive character references. She further stated that he possessed “real value to the public” and was “well-liked and respected” for his contributions in what were “no doubt very stressful” professional environments. The judge remarked, “I don’t think he is unsuitable to continue on his role despite what he did that night,” and added that the decision leaned towards suspending the “inevitable” custodial sentence. Mr. Endeley was additionally mandated to pay £2,000 in compensation to the victim, at a rate of £200 per month.