Colchester man attacked security guard after misgender row

Charlie Reed, 39, carried out the attack at Fashion Café Bar in St Botolph’s Street, Colchester, last November, leaving his victim with a permanent scar and needing treatment in hospital.

He was hauled to the floor shortly after the assault and suffered a seizure before he also received emergency medical treatment, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Reed was later charged with unlawful wounding and admitted the offence, which put him in breach of a three-year community order he received from Basildon Crown Court in 2025 when he was convicted of communicating a bomb hoax.

Timothy Fulford, prosecuting, said Reed became enraged when Mohamed Abdulbasit, who he had asked to take him to a toilet, took him to the wrong restroom.

He said: “Abdulbasit guided Reed to the toilets and in the process of doing so misgendered Reed.

“It was said Reed's behaviour turned towards Abdulbasit.”

The court heard Reed then said: “Are you taking the ****ing p***?

“This is a ****ing joke – do you want me to glass you?”

Mr Fulford continued: “Abdulbasit was apologetic and was asking Reed how does he identify at the time – he tried to explain the workplace protocol for the Fashion Bar.

“It is at that point Reed directed further abuse towards Abdulbasit and then used shortly afterwards a double glass cup to hit against the head of Abdulbasit.

“It did not smash on the first occasion, but the defendant smashed the glass for a second time against Abdulbasit’s head, causing the glass to smash and following through by poking Abdulbasit to the eye.”

Abdulbasit tackled Reed and pinned him down before he suffered a seizure and was taken to Colchester Hospital.

In a victim impact statement, Abdulbasit – who also suffered a haematoma on his forehead and a twisted eyelid – said he feels self-conscious about his injuries and is much less sociable with his family and friends.

His security badge has been pulled since the incident and that he has had to retrain in cybersecurity.

Reed, of North Station Road, Colchester, admitted one charge of unlawful wounding.

No evidence was offered in relation to a second charge of wounding without intent, and the judge recorded a not guilty verdict.

Adam Budworth, mitigating, said Reed had been struggling with his mental health at the time and had tried to seek support from various services without success.

He said: “He was struggling at the time with a number of issues, not least gender identification, but also addiction issues as a result of the breakdown of his marriage.”

He continued: “Reed self-referred three times to the Lakes and the Sanctuary, neither of which were able to help him – he has done everything he can since this offence to bring that about.”

Recorder Emma Nash sentenced Reed to 13 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and a one-year mental health treatment requirement.

He must also carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

Reed was not ordered to pay Abdulbasit compensation because he does not have the money to pay.