Colin Campbell attacked five complete strangers
A man described as a “vicious animal” left one man fighting for his life and another with life-changing injuries after a series of violent assaults.
Colin Campbell attacked five people he did not know. The attacks happened over a four-month period in 2025, with some of the assaults occurring while he was out on police bail.
He was jailed for seven and a half years yesterday (Tuesday). Mold Crown Court heard 24-year-old Campbell unleashed devastating single punches and headbutts on his unsuspecting victims. Recorder Neil Owen-Casey said it was “lucky” nobody was killed during the rampage, noting the attacker had caused “such devastation with your fists alone.”
Prosecuting, Elen Owen said the first attack happened on March 23, 2025, outside the Lorne Public House in Rhyl. After a bystander intervened in an argument, Campbell punched him unconscious. The victim suffered a fractured skull and two brain bleeds, leaving his life “in the balance,” reports NorthWalesLive.
After being bailed by police, Campbell struck again a month later inside Tinkers Bar in Rhyl, punching another victim “from nowhere” and fracturing his jaw, eye socket, and cheekbone. The victim has been left with sight and hearing issues.
In the early hours of May 3, 2025, Campbell approached a stranger in Chester, saying, “I’m going to fight you.” He then headbutted the man and punched a member of door staff who intervened, damaging his teeth. Campbell was arrested and bailed once again. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The final and most devastating attack occurred on July 12, 2025, on Wellington Road, Rhyl. Campbell approached a father-of-five and punched him in the face, causing him to strike his head on the ground.
Police had to administer life-saving CPR at the scene. The victim underwent emergency brain surgery for a fractured skull and extensive brain bleeds. He now requires permanent care and has “little if any memory of his loved ones”. His heartbroken family stated the attack had destroyed his life.
Campbell, of Gwynfryn Avenue, Rhyl, admitted section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, section 20 wounding, and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was also convicted after a trial for the final July wounding. The court heard he had a history of previous convictions for violence.
Defending, Sarah Yates said Campbell had a “chaotic” upbringing, mental health problems, and ADHD, which caused him to act impulsively.
Jailing Campbell, Recorder Owen-Casey branded him a “vicious animal”, also describing him as “selfish” and “aggressive”, who was fuelled by alcohol. He noted that Campbell’s insight into his actions had “come far too late” to prevent life-altering injuries.
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