A DRINKER who was barred from his local is behind bars for launching a hammer attack on another customer after sneaking in past the publican despite wearing a high-visibility workman’s vest.

Stephen Lynch was said to have a long-standing grudge against his victim, and assaulted him when he saw him in the grade II listed Marquis of Granby pub in Framwellgate Moor, Durham in March.

The Victorian pub’s closed circuit television cameras captured the moment Lynch reached into his bag and pulled out the attack hammer.

The 32-year-old lunged at the other man as he entered the pool room and struck him.

The pictures show the victim shielding his head with his arms, and Teesside Crown Court heard that he suffered a fractured finger and abrasions to his elbow, jaw and knee.

Judge Sean Morris told Lynch - who he suspected had been drinking before the court case: “Had you brought that down on his head and caused brain damage, you could have been facing a murder charge.

“You have a problem with drink. It is quite clear to me you need a have a rest from alcohol, and if there is one thing they can’t smuggle into prison it is booze.”

Lynch went missing from court before his case was called on, and after an arrest warrant was issued, he turned up again.

An agitated Judge Morris demanded to know where he had been, and he replied: “I’ve been for a meal with my girlfriend. I was going to get a ring. I’m sorry about that, sir.”

Lynch’s partner sobbed in the public gallery as he was jailed for 14 months after he admitted a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Jonathan Devlin, mitigating, asked the judge to suspend the sentence, but was told: “Not for a hammer.”

Mr Devlin had said earlier: “He thought he was going to be attacked by the complainant. His army training kicked in, and he stupidly used the hammer.”

Judge Morris said: “Drink is his problem. It looks like it is his problem today. Are you satisfied he is in a safe state to understand what is going on?”

Mr Devlin replied: “It’s the same state as when he entered his plea.”

In a statement, the victim said Lynch, of Carr House Drive, Newton Hall, Durham, left him with injuries which could damage his work.

He added: “Although I’m able to defend myself, this incident has caused me to fear for my safety.”