THE “red mist” came down over an ex-serviceman at a remark that, “all paratroopers should be shot”, made at a formation meeting of a Royal British Legion branch.

Former paratrooper Benjamin Thomas Walker took exception to the sentiments and assaulted the man who made the comment, during the meeting at the Leather Cap Sports and Social Club, in Easington Colliery.

Durham Crown Court heard that Walker then left the club and went to his nearby home in Browning Street, to change clothing.

But, on his return, he saw the same man outside the club, having been ejected following his comment, and Walker carried out a further sustained assault, featuring kicks and punches.

The victim was left with a fractured jaw in two places, and with a badly bruised and bloodied face.

Neighbours living opposite the premises reported that attack to police and on their arrival at the club arrested Walker, who by now had made a further change of clothing.

As a result of the incident, on March 3 last year, the premises’ licence came under review by police and the Leather Cap, formerly Easington Colliery Officials’ Club, was only permitted to operate as a members’ only club.

Appearing at a plea hearing at the court, via video link from nearby Durham Prison, Walker admitted causing grievous bodily harm, with intent.

Following a previous hearing in the case, a psychiatric report has been drawn up on the 38-year-old defendant, who suffers post traumatic stress disorder, arising from his service career.

But the court was told the victim of the assaults has not been approached and asked if he wanted to attend court for the sentencing hearing or be given the opportunity to update an impact statement.

Judge Christopher Prince agreed to adjourn sentence to allow those approaches to be made to the complainant, but he also asked the Probation Service to draw up a background report on Walker.

Remanding him to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, on June 21, the judge told Walker: “You will, of course, be receiving a custodial sentence, it’s only a case of how long that sentence will be. But, I want to afford the opportunity for as much information to be presented to the court.”.