A Narberth pub worker who assaulted a customer by throwing an ashtray at his head has been given a 12-month community order.

Twenty-one-year-old Tobias Samuel Newham, of Picton Terrace, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Josh Duckfield, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that the incident occurred on August 27, at the Dragon Inn, on High Street, at around 12.30 am.

“It was last orders and the complainant, Mr. Duckfield, ordered a drink at the bar and made his way through to the garden area.

“Out of nowhere he suddenly felt something hit him on the head and saw a glass ashtray on the floor,” she explained.

Using profanities, Mr. Newham, who worked at the pub, told the victim he had thrown the item, and as Mr. Duckfied approached him, the defendant swung a punch at him, but did not connect.

Mr. Duckfield then punched the defendant in defence, magistrates heard, before being shown photographs of the injury that the victim received to his head caused by the ashtray.

“It seems the reason for the altercation is that Mr. Duckfield had been in a relationship with Mr. Newham’s ex-partner,” continued Ms Vaughan.

Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that there was nearly always a reason behind such incidents.

“There was bad feeling between the two, and a certain amount of gloating from the complainant. He came into Mr. Newham’s work place, and my client simply saw red,” he said.

“There has been severe consequences as he has since lost his job at the pub and will also lose his job at the local swimming pool, where he won’t be allowed to work with younger children with this conviction.

“Mr. Newham wishes to apologise to the victim through me,” added Mr. Kelleher.

Magistrates heard a report from the probation officer, before giving Mr. Newham a 12-month community order, with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

He was also fined £100 for the offence and ordered to pay compensation of £300 to his victim, as well as prosecution costs of £85 and an £85 victim surcharge.