Norwich pub landlord in court after punching drinker

Jason Carter, 55, had asked the victim to leave the Gibraltar Gardens, in Norwich, because he was drunk.

Jason Carter at the Gibraltar Gardens pub (Image: Newsquest) Norwich Crown Court heard the punter left the pub as requested but then returned a short while later to collect his push bike.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Chris Youell, prosecuting, said as the victim left again he was followed by Carter who punched him, knocking him unconscious.

Mr Youell said the man fell to the ground on the concrete driveway and lay unconscious for "a number of minutes".

Customers tended to the injured man while Carter returned to the pub.

The victim returned home after he came round and was unable to remember anything until he woke up the following morning to find his bed sheets wet and covered with blood.

He had blood coming from his ear and was found to have suffered a broken collar bone and fracture to the base of his skull.

The court heard Carter - who has since left the pub - was spoken to by police and made a full admission to the assault, telling officers the victim - who he had known for about two years - was on his last warning after previously being barred.

He said some customers had left due to the victim's actions on October 21, 2022, and was warned about his behaviour before being asked to leave.

Carter, formerly of the Gibraltar Gardens pub but now of Clacton, said he "lost it" after the man disrespected him and his family and punched him once in the face.

He appeared at court on Friday (July 11)  after having admitted wounding.

Carter, who was represented by Ian James, was given a 28-week prison sentence, suspended for 14 months by Recorder Nicola Fitches.

He was also ordered to carry out a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and up to 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR).

Carter left the Gibraltar Gardens pub at the end of 2022, three years after he had taken over at the Heigham Street hostelry.