LaGRANGE — A man accused of blindsiding a man by punching him in the head, causing him to fracture his skull, pleaded guilty to the charges against him on Wednesday in Troup County Superior Court.

Jason Brian Cummings of LaGrange was charged with one count of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated assault.

In April 2015, Cummings punched a man in the right side of his head as both men left the Brickhouse Grille at 141 Main St., said Senior Assistant District Attorney Melissa Himes.

It was closing time, about 2 a.m., when security was herding everyone out of the restaurant, Himes explained. The punch immediately knocked out the man, who then fell and slammed his head against the concrete.

The victim was taken to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center where medical personnel discovered he had a fractured skull and a brain bleed, stated Himes. He was then transported to Emory for further treatment.

A security guard who witnessed the attack said the victim did not see the punch coming nor was he “arguing with anyone or acting out in any way,” Himes told the court. Witnesses said Cummings fled the scene, but was later captured.

Cummings told LaGrange police investigators the victim was intoxicated when he bumped into his girlfriend without saying anything. Cummings said he believed it was disrespectful.

Cummings then saw the victim talking to his best friend and thought he was “trying to start something,” Himes stated. He then punched the man in the head.

The state recommended Cummings serve a sentence of 10 years to serve 36 months on both counts in the work release program at the Troup County Jail. Himes said Cummings had no previous criminal record and had been at the same job for 10 years.

Cummings was also to have no contact with the victim and ordered to pay restitution to him and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for medical bills, complete anger management and drug and alcohol classes, plus be permanently banned from the Brickhouse Grille.

Presiding Superior Court Judge Travis Sakrison agreed with the state’s recommendation and sentenced Cummings to 10 years to serve 36 months on both counts. The sentences for both charges will run concurrently, meaning he will serve them simultaneously.