Man Who Beat Girlfriend at Casino Sues Over Excessive Drinks
A Pennsylvania man imprisoned for four years after beating his girlfriend at the Sands Bethlehem Casino is now suing the establishment claiming they served him too many free drinks.
Nicholas Mullins, 31, remains on probation for the January 2012 assault on Caitlin Shields of Pottsville, PA. Ms. Shields was beaten so badly that she nearly died from brain swelling.
Mullins attorney, Stuart Niemtzow, claims his client is unable to find work as a result of the conviction and was also assaulted while in prison.
“His life is the one that got ruined here,” Niemtzow said.
Mullins is also said to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTS) from his time serving in the Navy.
The Associated Press reports that Mullins is suing via the Dram Shop Act, a law on the books in Pennsylvania and 37 other states. It holds that businesses selling alcohol to visibly intoxicated people can be held liable for injuries they suffer as a result. Mullins was given at least 15 drinks before he and Shields returned to their room and got into a fight.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com