A MAN’s angry outburst in a confrontation with a publican could have triggered a previously suspended prison sentence, a court heard.

John Barry Ord grabbed the licensee at the Red Lion pub in Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, where he had gone seeking outstanding payment he said was owed to the daughter of his partner, who had worked at the premises.

Durham Crown Court heard he pushed the publican, who responded by punching Ord.

Jonathan Harley, prosecuting, said Ord released his grip and no injuries were suffered, but customers who witnessed events, on November 4 last year, gave statements.

The 49-year-old, of Wensley Close, in Ouston, denied common assault, but was convicted following a recent trial at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Harley said the conviction put Ord in breach of a ten month prison sentence, suspended for a year, which was imposed at the crown court in May last year for fraud by an employee.

Ian West, mitigating, said, but for the breach, the common assault would have been dealt with by magistrates.

Deputy circuit judge James Spencer QC agreed, adding: “Clearly, if it stayed at the magistrates’ court a conditional discharge would have been the probable outcome, but the nature of this was very different, indeed.”

He passed a 12-month conditional discharge, with a £30 compensation order.