A Pembroke man with a history of violent offences to his name has been spared jail after assaulting another male outside a nightclub.

Thirty-year-old Gary Newell, of Tenby Court, Monkton, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, to admit a charge of assault.

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard Jones told the court that the incident occurred outside the main entrance of the Paddles nightclub in Pembroke on February 24 at around 3 am.

“The victim didn’t know anything about the matter apart from that fact that he’d been out drinking that night and next waking up in hospital. He was kept in for observation and thankfully didn’t suffer any lasting injuries.

“CCTV which captured the incident gave police a description of the offender. Mr. Newell could be seen on camera moving in front of the victim who stands with his hands in his pockets, before being punched once and falling to the floor unconscious.

“Mr. Newell then walks away out of the view of the camera. He said in a police statement that it was a ‘moment of madness’ and that he did not intend to hurt the other man, but just wanted to get him away.

“He said that it was the first time he has been out drinking for three-and-a-half years. Mr. Newell has a history of violent offences,” continued Mr. Pritchard Jones.

“In a victim personal statement given to the police, the complainant stated that since the assault he feels that he can’t go out to pubs anymore in Pembroke. He feels anxiety and as he has no recollection of the incident, not remembering what the defendant looks like, has led him questioning if people he sees could be him, and he wouldn’t even know it,” he added.

Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that an incident that took place inside the nightclub involving his fiancée and the victim led him to lose his temper.

“He took a swing, but didn’t connect with his fist, but part of his elbow, which if anything can be more dangerous than the fist as its quite boney.

“Mr. Newell has a very poor record, but since coming out of prison the last time he has made every effort to reform himself.

“He is a new father, something that has changed him considerably,” he added.

Probation officer Julie Norman told magistrates that Mr. Newell’s last period on licence ended last year after a significant custodial sentence.

“All his offending is directly linked to drinking alcohol. He had been out all day with his fiancée watching the rugby and then went into the nightclub where a verbal altercation occurred initially.

“He is fearful of being imprisoned today and it’s disappointing that he’s here again for an offence of violence,” she added.

Magistrates told Mr. Newell that they had considered handing him a custodial sentence, but elected to give impose a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work, to also include a 15-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 in prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge.