A PEACEMAKER was attacked for no apparent reason by another drinker at a pub in a late night confrontation.

James Craig was still holding his glass when he landed a blow to the face of the victim, who had just helped to escort an unruly man from The Cricketers, in Blackhill, Consett.

Durham Crown Court heard that although Craig struck him a further three times about the head, the glass did not smash and the victim’s injuries were, therefore, not as serious as they might have been.

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, said the injuries included a laceration to the forehead, which was treated with steri-strips at hospital, but it healed, “relatively well”.

He also needed dental treatment after losing the cap off a tooth, which had to be replaced.

Mr Walker said with the dental bill and loss of earnings over the days following last October’s incident, the victim was left £205 out of pocket.

Craig was subsequently arrested and was generally unresponsive, when questioned.

The court heard he has very little previous criminal history, although he does have a teenage conviction for battery, in another pub incident.

Craig, 25, of Garesfield Gardens, Burnopfield, near Stanley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Neil Bennett, mitigating, it began as a pub argument over something which did not involve Craig.

Mr Bennett said having, himself, tried to assist as a peacemaker, there seemed to be a perception that Craig was, somehow, involved in the original incident.

“But, he accepts there came a point where he struck out at this other man, not thinking that he had a glass in his hand.

“He actually left the pub with it in his hand, but there was never any intention to use it to cause injuries and he certainly didn’t even think he was holding the glass.”

Mr Bennett said the defendant was on anti-depression medication and accepts he was probably drinking too much at that time, although he has managed to overcome that since the incident.

He added that the defendant is holding down a job.

Recorder Ian Atherton said it would have been a different outcome had the glass smashed and the victim suffered more serious injuries.

Craig was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, during which he must perform 150-hours’ unpaid work, and pay £205 compensation, plus £200 costs.