A MAN was left needing two stitches in his head after a thug attacked him in a pub in Warrington town centre.

The court heard how there was ‘no excuse whatsoever’ for Mark Robson, who is now subjected to a pub watch ban, assaulting the victim.

The offence took place on November 5 of last year after the pair, who used to be friends but had ‘issues’, were both in the pub at the same time.

Warrington Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday how Robson, of Orford Road, recalls drinking at the bar but does not recall his next actions – which included assaulting the victim.

Prosecuting, Yvonne Hobson said how the victim remembers waking up on the floor feeling ‘very dizzy and confused’ with a police officer wrapping a bandage around his head.

He was taken to the accident and emergency department at Warrington Hospital where he stayed for 15 hours and received two stitches in the back of his head.

55-year-old Robson has 16 convictions for 33 offences – some of which are of a similar nature, including battery.

Defending, John Farnan said how it was a ‘spur of the moment’ and ‘spontaneous attack’ after the ‘accidental meeting’ in the pub.

He said ‘words were exchanged’ between Robson and the victim before the offence.

The court also heard how Robson, who pleaded guilty to assaulting a person thereby occasioning actual bodily harm at an earlier hearing, is now subjected to a pub watch ban for the next two years.

Concluding, deputy district judge John Lowe said: “Public houses are supposed to be places where people can go to have a drink in peace and without the fear of being assaulted.

“There is no excuse whatsoever for you going over and assaulting him in the way that you did.”

Robson received a 24-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete up to 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days, must pay a £200 fine and must pay £300 in compensation to the victim.

Robson is also subjected to a two-year restraining order against the victim.

Want the pick of the Warrington Guardian news delivered to your inbox every morning? Click here to sign up