Man accused in Butte sucker punch incident gets deferred sentence

An Anaconda man was sentenced on Thursday for a violent incident at a Butte bar that occurred earlier this year. Brandon Fode received a six-year deferred sentence for the September 22, 2023, assault at the Party Palace, where he was accused of unexpectedly punching another man, resulting in significant injuries.

The attack left the victim with a fractured upper jaw and damaged teeth, both broken and missing, requiring hospitalization. In addition to the deferred sentence, Fode has been ordered to pay $11,000 in medical expenses to the victim as part of the sentence.

Prior to his sentencing, Fode had pleaded not guilty to felony aggravated assault charges stemming from the incident. Security footage from the bar captured the unprovoked attack, which showed Fode punching the victim twice in the face, leaving him unconscious.

Fode currently remains free on a $25,000 bond while serving his deferred sentence. The case has garnered attention from the victim's family, who are seeking justice for the injuries sustained during the assault.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding bar violence and the need for measures to ensure patron safety in these establishments.