A PUB-GOER headbutted another drinker during a violent altercation.

Brian Antone Riley was with friends, one of whom began challenging other customers to a fight, after they had been drinking for several hours in the Angel, in Lumsden’s Yard, Crossgate, Durham, on April 14 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard another of Riley’s group put his hood up and grabbed another drinker’s mobile phone.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said an altercation broke out, during which Riley headbutted another customer.

Riley, 32, of Fulforth Way, Sacriston, denied assault causing actual bodily harm and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, but admitted affray, which was accepted by the Crown.

The court heard Riley is unable to be given unpaid work due to health issues.

Judge Jonathan Carroll, therefore, imposed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which he must undergo ten Probation-supervised activity days.

He was also put on a six-month 8pm to 8am electronically-monitored home curfew and given an interim criminal behaviour order prohibiting him from causing harassment, alarm or distress in any licensed premises, which is expected to be extended for up to five years.