CHARLES HAMILTON-SMITH

This statement (consisting of 4 pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfully stated in it, anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.

Signature: Charles Hamilton-Smith Date: 20/07/22

Tick if witness evidence is visually recorded [ ] (supply witness details on rear)

I am the above-named person, and I reside at the address overleaf.

At about 3:45 pm on Saturday, 20th July 2022, I was in my private motor vehicle, a black Porsche Boxster. I was driving from Denmark Street, where I had parked my car following a visit to the optician's. I drove up the narrow lane intending to turn left onto St Augustine's Parade and join the normal flow of traffic. I waited at this junction for pedestrians to pass in front of me. I let 3 or 4 pass, then edged the front of my vehicle out. I did this so that traffic could see that I was trying to leave the junction. I had my indicators on to show that I wanted to turn left.

It was daylight, and general visibility was good. There were cars parked on either side of the junction, so I had to move out slightly so that my vehicle could be seen.

I waited for about a minute or so, waiting for a gap in the traffic or to get into the flow of traffic. A driver of a vehicle coming from my right side stopped and waved me to pull out. I cannot remember anything about this vehicle or the driver.

As I now had a gap, I looked ahead intending to pull out. I saw a man standing right in front of my car; he may have had a hand on the bonnet of my vehicle. I would describe this man as white, aged about 40, 5'11", slim build, with thinning hair tied in a ponytail. He had an eyebrow ring and was wearing a green camouflage jacket. My car was half out into the road. The man started to rant. I cannot remember what was said, but he started shouting and swearing. The man continued to shout and swear and immediately walked to my door. The man stood within a few feet. The window on my door was up. I opened my door and got out. I said to him,

"IT WAS EASIER FOR YOU TO WALK AROUND THE REAR; THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS RIGHT OUT IN THE ROAD."

The man continued to behave aggressively. I got back in my car and tried to close the door. The man grabbed the side of the door near the window and pulled it open. The man was within arm’s reach of me. He spat at me. I think this landed on my chest.

This made me feel very angry. I got out of my car. I heard a bang. At that moment, I did not feel anything.

My legs went like jelly, and I collapsed to the ground. I can remember people coming over. A lady who I believe is a midwife put a coat over me and took my pulse. I could not speak. I could hear her talking. She told me that an ambulance had been called.

I was taken by a police car to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol. I have been examined and believe that I have a slight fracture of the cheek, on the left side just below my eye. I have a cut running from my nose down to my upper lip, and a cut inside my mouth in the same place. Where the fracture is, I have a lump caused by the swelling. I have a splitting headache and can't believe what has happened. No one had permission to assault me. I give permission for the police to have access to any medical records made in connection with the assault.

I am willing to attend court if necessary.

I think that the assault lasted for about one minute. I believe that I would recognise the man again.

Although I cannot remember being assaulted, the man I have referred to above was the only person standing close enough to have assaulted me.

It has been explained to me that medical evidence is needed to prove the level of injury sustained and to support a prosecution. I understand that this information is used solely for prosecution purposes, although it may be disclosed to the defence.

If any compensation is awarded, I understand that the sum may be affected if there is no medical evidence.