A HERO soldier was protecting a comrade when he fought with police at his wedding reception, a court heard yesterday.

Bridegroom Keir Allan’s Army career could have ended over the incident in Elm Road Working Men’s Club, Shildon, County Durham, if magistrates had not shown leniency when he appeared in court yesterday.

The court in Bishop Auckland heard that Allan, 28, had just returned from a difficult tour of Afghanistan, where many of his comrades in 3 Rifles had died and more had been injured.

He became upset when he saw a wedding guest, who was a fellow soldier, being put into an ambulance by paramedics following a stabbing.

He lashed out at officers in an attempt to reach his friend, said Andrew Wallington, prosecuting.

PC Iain Bulmer and PC Christopher Spencer used their batons and gas sprays to try to subdue the defendant, but they had no effect.

Mr Wallington said: “It was particularly unpleasant. There were wedding guests swarming over wedding guests.

Allan, who was a roofer before he joined the Army, admitted two charges of assaulting police causing actual bodily harm and a charge of resisting arrest. He apologised for his actions.

His military service includes six months in Iraq and nearly seven months in Afghanistan.

John Turner, mitigating, said: “It is surely not in the country’s interests to lose someone of this calibre. He plans to spend at least 15 years in the Army. His next engagement to Afghanistan is in 2012, but the unexpected can always occur and a community order would not be enforceable.

“He still has to go back to the Army and face disciplinary proceedings, but he does not deserve dismissal.”

Speaking for Allan, Captain Ben Morgan said: “He is a selfless individual, who is diligent in his work and loyal to his battalion, his regiment and his country.”

Chairman of the bench William Unsworth told Allan: “My colleagues and I feel that because of your exemplary record and because you have just come back from active service, we need to show understanding.”

Allan was fined £800 and £250 for the assaults and £250 for resisting arrest. He was ordered to pay court costs of £65 and a £15 victim surcharge.

He must also pay £100 compensation to PC Bulmer and £25 to PC Spencer.

■ A man charged with attempted murder following a fracas at the same wedding reception made his first appearance at crown court yesterday.

Carl Hannon, 20, of West Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is alleged to have stabbed soldier Ben Hall six times outside the club.

Mr Hannon, who is understood to be the brother of the bride, appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday. No plea was entered and there was no application for bail.

A trial date is yet to be set.