The jailing of four men who started a fight in Bicester town centre has prompted a police warning about the dangers of excessive drinking.
The incident, in March last year, left a soldier from St David's Barracks, near Bicester, needing 150 stitches after a bottle was thrust into his face at the town's Market Square taxi rank.
Last Friday, Oxford Crown Court sentenced Carl Whittaker, 23, of Greenfields, Arncott, near Bicester, to three-and-a-half years in prison after he was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent. He also pleaded guilty to affray and assisting Robert Sestanovitch to evade arrest.
Three other men -- Sestanovitch, 21, of Rochford Gardens, Bicester; Charles Benfield, 23, of Marsh Gibbon and Justin Porter, 21, of Lapwing Close, Bicester -- were sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to affray.
Det Sgt Paul Gibbard said alcohol had been a big factor in the fight.
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