Published: 16 February 2012
by GEORGIA GRAHAM

A MAN who kicked his girlfriend’s uncle on the head as he lay unconscious on the ground has been found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Gary Kilminster had been enjoying the Grand National horse race over a couple of beers when he was punched in the face by Liam Mariner, 28, of Maiden Lane, Camden Town, a jury at Blackfriars Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

As he lay motionless on the ground Mr Kilminster received a “hard kick” to the head from Mr Mariner, the court was told.

A suspected footprint was later seen on his head.

Mr Mariner had approached Mr Kilminster outside the Sir Robert Peel pub in Queen’s Crescent.

“The next thing I saw was a fist coming straight to my face,”

Mr Kilminster told the court. “I was knocked out.

The next thing I knew I came round surrounded by ambulance and policemen.”

He was taken to hospital with swelling, bruising and a fractured eye socket following the attack last year.

He may still have a metal plate inserted into his cheek as a result of his injuries.

Mr Mariner had been in a relationship with Mr Kilminster’s niece Nicki for 12 years.

He claimed Mr Kilminster had been laughing at him.

Mariner was cleared of two counts of criminal damage and two counts of battery against Ms Kilminster.

Recorder Nicola Williams deferred sentencing to next month.