THE Ministry of Defence (MoD has denounced attacks on military personnel after a court was told that soldiers based in the region regularly face violence and abuse from local people.

The claims were made during a court appearance by a sapper from 38 Engineer Regiment, based at Claro Barracks, in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Sapper Kalisito Rabeka pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, said the defendant had been drinking with friends in the city's Matrix nightclub on February 3 when the incident took place.

The court heard the soldier punched victim Israar Yapp in the face, splitting his lip and causing damage totalling more than £3,000 to his teeth.

However, Geoffrey Boothby, mitigating, said his client told him that every time he and colleagues went out they were provoked by local people.

The court was told that Rabeka had initially been tripped in the club by one of a group of three men who then began to leer at him.

Mr Boothby said: "As the night went on the same people targeted him, laughing, pointing and staring.

"When his friends had gone and left him alone, he felt vulnerable and threatened.

"He did not go seeking trouble, but as he was leaving he was pushed to the floor. He swore at one of the group who told him 'If you swear at me mate, I'll kill you'.

"Rabeka was so wound-up he punched the man in the mouth."

Rabeka was conditionally discharged for a year and ordered to pay compensation of £1,350 and costs of £55.

A spokesman for the MoD criticised attacks on members of the Armed Forces.

He said: "Whatever people's views are about specific military operations, everyone should be able to recognise the bravery and professionalism of our Armed Forces and respect the difficult job they do."

Ripon councillor Andrew Williams denied there was any bad feeling towards the Army in the city.

He said: "I would seriously hope it's a case of drink-fuelled stupidity.

"I think I speak for the city as a whole when I say we have the greatest admiration for the dedication and work done by the regiment which is currently based in the city."