Publican denies acting like 'wild man'

11:40am Wednesday 14th May 2008

A PUBLICAN denied acting "like a wild man" after refusing to allow three men into the premises for a late night drink.

Paul Rushton is accused of "savagely" biting one man's nose and punching another after ushering them out of the Hat and Feather, between Consett and Medomsley, County Durham, at 11.45pm, last September 7.

Durham Crown Court heard that Mr Rushton was running the karaoke when the trio, including his then Sunday chef, arrived at the premises at about 11.45pm.

Mr Rushton, who has a 1am licence, but who operates a 10pm curfew for newly arriving customers, said he felt they were, "taking the mickey", entering at that time when they knew the arrangement.

He shepherded them out, but in the pub car park, he is alleged to have punched two of the men in the face, before pinning one to a wall and biting him in the nose, causing heavy blood loss.

The court heard the injured pair were treated at hospital, one suffering a split nostril, and a swollen and bruised temple, while the other received bruises on his forehead and a cut on his upper eye lid.

Giving evidence on the second day of his trial yesterday, Mr Rushton said he was merely trying to defend himself against the trio who were unhappy at being refused entry.

He said one of them dragged him backwards towards a wall and he struggled to stay on his feet.

Mr Rushton said as the other two struck him on the back of the head, he managed to turn round the man dragging him across the car park and admits biting him in the nose.

He said: "I don't remember having any other option, although I accept I did it.

"I bit him until he let go."

Graeme Gaston, prosecuting, asked Mr Rushton: "You lost control of your temper that night, didn't you?

"One of these men is entirely correct to say you acted, like a wild man'?"

Mr Rushton replied: "No, that's not correct."

Forty-seven-year-old Mr Rushton, of Pont Road, Leadgate, near Consett, denies wounding with intent and assault causing actual bodily harm.

The trial continues today.

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