A WOMAN of 56 was sitting at a fruit machine in the foyer of the Apollo bingo hall at Rhyl when a man – a stranger – struck her nose with his fist, breaking it.

The unprovoked attack had a “devastating effect” on the victim, Gareth Parry, prosecuting, told magistrates at Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 13.

The woman, treated in hospital for her injury, had suffered panic attacks since and had been prescribed medication.

Her attacker Sion Hughes, 38, of First Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, who pleaded guilty to having caused actual bodily harm last September, had told police he had no recollection of what happened. He had taken some drugs and had wanted to buy some cannabis.

Hughes was sent to the crown court for sentence on bail. Chairman Brian Cossey told him: “We believe the assault is so serious the matter needs to be referred to the crown court.”

Hughes will appear at Mold crown court on April 4, and a pre-sentence report was ordered.