Dancing birthday reveller 'attacked man in South Yorkshire pub'

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court recently heard how Nathan Bonnick, 37, of Penwood Walk, Sunnyside, Rotherham, thrust his crutch into the face of his victim before swinging punches at him at The Courtyard pub, at Wickersley, Rotherham.

Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said: “The complainant said he was sat on benches on the back wall with his brother-in-law when a male he did not know came up to him, and stuck his crutch in his face and started gyrating.”

The complainant put his hands out to urge Bonnick to go away, according to Mr Hughes.

Mr Hughes added: “He pushed him away twice but he came in swinging at him and the swinging punches made contact with his chest, his right eye and an elbow.”

Bonnick told police he had been celebrating his birthday and he admitted dancing up to the complainant and that his behaviour was irritating.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating after the attack on July 27.

Paul Metcalfe, defending, said: “My client was completely remorseful and made frank admissions about his involvement in the matter.”

Mr Metcalfe added that Bonnick had been celebrating his birthday and remembers very little about what happened.

He said: “He was pushed and reacted which he should not have done and unfortunately it was in a moment of red mist.”

Magistrates fined Bonnick £123 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and £100 compensation.