Man accused in Butte sucker punch incident gets deferred sentence

Brandon Fode, an Anaconda resident, was sentenced on Thursday for a serious assault that occurred at a Butte bar in September 2023. Fode received a six-year deferred sentence after he was found guilty of sucker-punching another man at the Party Palace, resulting in significant injuries to the victim, including a fractured jaw and several broken and missing teeth.

The incident took place on September 22, when Fode was recorded on security footage delivering two unprovoked punches to the victim's face, knocking him unconscious. The attack led to the victim requiring hospitalization and medical interventions to address his injuries.

In addition to his sentence, Fode has been ordered to pay $11,000 in medical expenses to cover the victim's treatment costs. This has been a key concern for the victim's family, who have advocated for justice since the incident.

Fode's assault charge is classified as aggravated assault, indicating the severity of the crime. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the felony charge but ultimately accepted responsibility during court proceedings.

Currently, Fode remains free on a $25,000 bond while he serves his deferred sentence, which allows him the opportunity to avoid a criminal record if he meets the terms set by the court.