A PUB landlord was taken to hospital after a barmaid's husband knocked him to the floor, a court heard yesterday.

David Pointon, landlord of the Glittering Star pub, in Darlington town centre, was left with a dislocated shoulder after the attack by Michael Aldworth on March 29.

Aldworth, 33, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm at South Durham Magistrates' Court in Darlington.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Mr Pointon was enjoying a drink in his pub when Aldworth, whose wife works there, came into the bar and had an argument with the relief manager.

He then attacked Mr Pointon.

"Mr Aldworth began to punch him and next thing he knew he was lying on the floor," said Mr Maddison.

Aldworth fled from the pub but handed himself in to police shortly afterwards.

Chris Bunting, for Aldworth, said he "bitterly regretted" the attack.

Joseph Bulmer, chairman of the magistrates' bench, made an order preventing the reporting of Aldworth's mitigation.

The case was adjourned until May 13 and Aldworth was granted bail on condition that he stays out of the Glittering Star pub.