Pure: Man jailed for punch outside Bexleyheath nightclub

Bertrand Sisk, 28, attacked his victim, a young man he barely knew, outside Pure nightclub in Bexleyheath after taking a cocktail of alcohol, cocaine and steroids.

In one punch, "Sisk robbed the victim of life as he knew it," causing the back of the man's head to hit the pavement and causing severe brain injuries.

Sisk was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court earlier today (May 5).

The CPS said Sisk, from Folkestone, was on a night out in south east London on December 1, 2019.

Betrand Sisk - CPS

He met his victim only hours before at a pre-drinks party for a mutual friend's birthday celebration before the group headed out to the nightclub Pure in south east London where they had a VIP table reserved.

Sisk was found to have a cocktail of alcohol, cocaine and steroid testosterone in his system, and became increasingly aggressive as the night wore on.

He kicked over a chair, dropped his drink and behaved in a "threatening manner" towards others before he was eventually evicted by door staff. 

Whilst outside, Sisk sent text messages to a friend who was still inside the club, saying “Get him to come out, he’s dead,” “I’m gonna kill him” and “put him in hospital”.

When the victim came out of the club, Sisk put his arm around him and punched him in the head at close range.

Pure nightclub in Bexleyheath

The 28-year-old victim was rushed to hospital but suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that required hospitalisation for several months.

Following discharge from hospital, he required many months of ongoing community rehabilitation including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and other essential medical follow ups. His recovery is still ongoing.

Today (Wednesday, 5 May) Sisk was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court following a trial where he was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He had also previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the second victim.

Joanna Coleman, from the CPS, said: “Bertrand Sisk went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday, but instead he plied himself with alcohol and became more and more aggressive as the night went on. His actions culminated in an unprovoked attack on a young man he barely knew.

“With one punch to the head, Sisk robbed the victim of life as he knew it. Due to the severe nature of his brain injury, the victim was initially unable to walk, talk, eat or perform basic functions for himself. Whilst he has no memory of the attack, it will impact him and his family for a long time to come.

“The prosecution case included witness testimony, CCTV footage and mobile phone evidence, which enabled us to show the jury that Sisk intended to cause the victim serious harm.

“I hope this conviction will go some way towards helping the victim and his family come to terms with what happened that night, as they continue on the road to recovery.

“Violent crime blights our communities, and the CPS will always seek to prosecute offenders where there is the evidence to do so.”