A DRUNK man punched a barman in the face before grabbing a DJ by the neck and punching him after he was told to leave a Worcester pub.

Gary Green of Fairfield Close, Brickfields, Worcester, admitted two assaults at the Brewery Tap, Lowesmoor, when he appeared before city magistrates.

The court heard how the 47-year-old was asked to leave after he became involved in an argument with another customer, but hit out at staff.

Barman Shane Griffin and DJ Thomas Haden, were both punched by Green during the incident on December 11 last year.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said: “Mr Green had entered the bar with a female companion and became aggressive with another customer.

“Due to his behaviour, Mr Griffin decided to step out from behind the bar and ask him to leave. It was at this point that Mr Green lashed out and punched him to the face, connecting just below his left eye which left a small red mark.

“Mr Haden went his aid and he was grabbed around the neck and punched in the face which made him stagger backwards at that point. Officers arrested him and he said, ‘Yes, I hit two people.’”

Green told police his actions were due to him being drunk.

Mr Griffin was left with a red mark under his eye and Mr Haden had soreness to the left side of his face, Mr Dodson said.

Green has one previous conviction, also for battery, in April 2009, for which he received an eight month community order.

Barry Newton, defending, said Green had completed the community order two years ago for that assault charge.

He said: “He regrets what happened on this occasion. He had a bone to pick with an individual there. There was some history between them. That led to a heated argument not involving Mr Griffin or Mr Haden.”

Unemployed Green, who claims £130 a fortnigh, was told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order, pay £60 in compensation to each victim and pay £85 costs.

Your Worcester News reporter was the only member of the media at court.