THE SENTENCING of an American university student who assaulted two men outside an Oxford nightclub has been adjourned, despite his visa expiring on Sunday, March 31.

Elijah Davidson, 23, of St Thomas Street, Oxford, looked set to be given jail time, following a conviction for two incidents outside Atik on February 19 last year.

But Judge Martin Heslop QC granted a two-week adjournment after Kellie Enever, representing the defendant, expressed 'grave concerns' about sentencing without all the available documentation.

She said more time was needed to prove that Davidson is set to graduate this summer and due to start an internship with Apple in June.

Davidson indicated that he had access to funds of around $5,000 for potential compensation, but his defence says the funds cannot be accessed while he is in custody. He is also on probation in the USA.

Oxford Crown Court was told that Davidson – who admitted assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm against Jacob Stuart and assault against Nathan Dittens – only has a valid visa until Sunday. However, the court heard that an extension could be possible.

Appearing in Court 4, via video link from HMS Bullingdon, Davidson, who was convicted at an earlier hearing, was told to expect jail.

Mr Heslop said: "This incident occurred outside a nightclub when the defendant had clearly been drinking."

But, he added, Davidson's actions fitted with an 'emerging pattern of aggression and controlling behaviour'.

He continued: "It is quite clear that a custodial sentence must follow. This is a serious case and you should be prepared for a immediate custodial sentence."

Tariq Bin Shakoor, prosecuting, said the crown did not have a position on whether to adjourn.

Davidson will remain in custody until appearing again on Friday, April 12.