Former Oasis frontman wants to make victim-impact statement

The sentencing of a Pickering man who earned international notoriety for attacking former Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher has been adjourned, after the British rock star asked to deliver a victim-impact statement in person at a Toronto courthouse.

The news riled the lawyer acting for Daniel Sullivan, who pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm in the altercation that sent Gallagher to hospital after a 2008 concert on Toronto Island.

"Mr. Sullivan has had this unfortunate matter hanging like an albatross around his neck for a year and a half," lawyer John Collins told the court on Friday, citing "significant emotional distress" for Sullivan and his family.

The defendant, looking tired and gaunt in a smart suit, sat quietly by his lawyer’s side.

But the Crown successfully argued for an adjournment after stating Gallagher wanted to make "additions" to his statement and speak in person before the judge.

"The complainant has said that he would like to come forward," Crown attorney Ruth Kleinhenz said.

She also cited some last-minute material concerning the pre-sentencing report, which she wanted more time to review.

A new date for the hearing was to be set later Friday.

The incident at the heart of the proceedings occurred in September of 2008 during an Oasis performance at Virgin Festival on Toronto Island. In the middle of the hit song "Morning Glory," a drunken Sullivan, who was accredited to be backstage, suddenly lunged onstage and shoved Gallagher from behind.

The force sent the guitarist and vocalist careening into his speakers.

Sullivan then lunged at Gallager’s brother, singer Liam Gallagher, before security personnel tackled him in front of 22,000 onlookers.

A YouTube video of the incident that became an instant Internet sensation shows the singer trying to fight back before security removes Sullivan from the stage.

After a 15-minute hiatus, the band returned to complete their set, but Noel Gallager later went to the hospital to be examined for a fractured rib and ligament damage.