A man has been jailed for assaulting two members of staff in a pub he was barred from, then resisting arrest.

Ian Burnett followed a man, who he believed had earlier assaulted him, into Wetherspoons pub in Braintree, got into an argument with the manager, then punched two staff who came to the manager's aid, a court heard

Burnett, 28, of Davis Court, Braintree, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court yesterday , having admitted at an earlier hearing two assaults, resisting or obstructing a policeman and threatening or abusive behaviour.

Gregor McKinley, prosecuting, said Burnett went into the pub at about 4.15pm on December 9 and started an argument with the manager.

A duty manager and a chef came to the manager's aid and Burnett punched the duty manager in the face, causing swelling and bruising.

He also punched the chef in the mouth, causing a cut lip, bruising and swelling to his face, added Mr McKinley.

Mr McKinley said Burnett struggled with a policeman outside, and at one stage Burnett was placed on the ground before police could arrest him.

Peter Richards, mitigating, said it appeared Burnett had been assaulted in Braintree town centre and saw his assailant running into Wetherspoons.

Despite knowing he was barred, Burnett followed him in without thinking, but did not see his assailant again.

Mr Richards said Burnett apologised to staff and police for his behaviour and to the public who may have seen it.

Burnett was given two months in custody for each assault, 14 days for resisting the policeman, all to run concurrently, but no separate penalty for the threatening or abusive behaviour.

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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