A WINSFORD businessman has been bailed after appearing in court on a serious assault charge.

Jamie Anderson, of Grange Lane, is alleged to have punched another man so hard in the face he suffered several fractures and had to have a metal plate fitted in his jaw.

The 36-year-old was appearing from custody at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 21, having been arrested at the city’s crown court the day before.

Anderson had surrendered to the higher court on Monday, June 20, where he faced multiple fraud charges. He appeared here facing one charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Emily Comer, prosecuting, told the bench how the assault took place back in January and that police had been looking to apprehend the defendant since April.

She said: “He punched the complainant so hard to the floor he suffered several fractures and has since had to have a metal plate fitted in his jaw.

“Anderson is believed to have several aliases and has links to Glasgow in Scotland.

“This was a completely unprovoked attack.

“This is an indictable only offence and will therefore have to be sent to the crown court to be dealt with there.”

Ms Comer asked the magistrates to consider remanding Anderson in custody, reasoning he was likely to receive a custodial sentence should he be convicted.

“He caused significant injury and it was committed while on bail for other offences,” she added.

However, Becky Hay, defending, said her client posed no risk of failing to surrender to bail, which was proved by the fact he had shown up at the crown court on Monday.

“He had no idea about these proceedings,” he added.

“He does not know the defendant and lives at home with his parents.

“He has his own energy-related business and has six members of staff.”

Magistrates provided Anderson with conditional bail, and he will next appear at Chester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 19.