THE ‘red mist’ came down over a former paratrooper after a provocative remark was made about the regiment during a Royal British Legion (RBL) meeting at a social club, a court heard.

In his own words, Ben Walker, who suffers post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in the forces, gave his victim, “a good hiding,” both inside and outside the Leather Cap, in Easington Colliery.

Durham Crown Court was told that not only did Walker punch and kick the 33-year-old “vulnerable” man as he dragged him out, in ejecting him from the club, but after changing his clothing at home nearby, he returned to deliver a further even more savage beating, repeatedly stamping on his face as he lay on the snow-covered ground outside the Browning Street premises.

The Northern Echo:

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said Walker then left the blood-covered cerebral palsy sufferer prone on the ground, went home again and changed and his clothing a second time, washing the blood-stained garments.

The attack was reported to police, however, and when officers approached Walker half-an-hour after the incident, he made an immediate admission that he was responsible.

Mr Dodds said the victim needed hospital treatment for a double fracture of the lower jaw, for which metal plates were inserted, plus other injuries to his face, forehead, nose and arms.

The court heard he has suffered lingering problems with his jaw injury, but the attack has also had an impact on his mental health.

He is also now wary about going out and is considering moving away from the Easington area.

Mr Dodds said the incident arose after the victim argued with another man at the club, at 5pm on Saturday March 3, last year.

Walker said as he went to help remove him from the club the complainant said: “All paras should be shot”.

The victim said he could not remember making the comment, but he did recall someone calling him: “A nonce”.

He added that even if he made the paras remark he was surprised he was taken seriously as everyone locally knew of his condition.

The 38-year-old defendant, of Browning Street, admitted wounding with intent.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, presented several character testimonials to the court on behalf of her client.

She said although he accepts responsibility but could not recall the attack.

“He said once the paras comment was made, the ‘red mist’ came down and he couldn’t remember what happened thereafter.”

Miss Waugh said his service with the elite forces in Kosovo and Bosnia, in his late teens and early 20s, was behind his ptsd.

She added that he also used alcohol as a means of blocking out his experiences in the Balkans. On the day of the attack he had drunk up to ten pints of beer.

Imposing a nine-year prison sentence, Deputy Circuit Judge Paul Worsley said despite the apparent provocation, it could not justify such a “sickening attack.”

But he added that it was his “sad duty” to have to send to prison someone who had served his country so well.