Spalding landlord and South Holland district councillor Peter Williams was today (Wed) fined £600 after admitting punching a drunk who smashed a window at his pub.
Williams, together with his son Ben, pursued Gary Ward who ran off after breaking the window at the Punchbowl Inn.
Mr Ward was caught and punched once by Ben Williams. Then as Ben Williams helped the victim up Peter Williams punched Mr Ward in the face apparently knocking him unconscious.
Peter Williams, who appeared in court on his 65th birthday, of New Road, Spalding, admitted assaulting Gary Ward causing him actual bodily harm as a result of the incident on 11 January 2018.
Ben Williams, 39, of Spring Gardens, Spalding, admitted a lesser charge of assaulting Mr Ward by beating. He was fined £400.
Judge Simon Hirst , passing sentence, said that Mr Ward had been ejected from the pub earlier before going elsewhere.
The judge said “He was staggering around the streets of Spalding heavily in drink. He returned to the pub. It appears that he caused a minor amount of damage inside and he was ejected again.
“He was put to the ground outside by both you two. You returned into your pub. Mr Ward decided to punch one of the windows smashing it.
“I entirely understand that must have been very frustrating for both of you. What happened thereafter was not remotely proportionate and it was, quite frankly, a disgraceful way for licensees to behave.
“The pre-sentence reports you gave talk about self defence. That is utter nonsense. Both of you knew perfectly well what you were doing and behaved, no doubt in anger, at what Mr Ward had done . It is not acceptable.
“If you behave remotely like this again the sentence you receive will be significantly greater and if the local authority does not remove your licence then I certainly will.”
Leanne Summers, prosecuting, said that a passer-by went to the aid of Gary Ward after he was punched by Peter Williams and put him in the recovery position.
She said that Mr Ward received cuts and bruises and had no lasting injuries.
The court was told that the local council has carried out a review and has allowed Peter Williams to retain his personal licence which enables him to continue in business.
Jessica Heggie, for Peter Williams, said her client had pleaded guilty on the day of trial. She said he earns in the region of £10,000 a year.
Andrew Nixon, for Ben Williams, urged the judge to follow the recommendation of a pre-sentence report that he be given a fine or a conditional discharge.
Peter Williams was elected to South Holland District Council in 2015 representing UKIP.
He has been a landlord at The Punchbowl on New Road for over 20 years.
SHDC’s own licensing panel stripped him of his designated premises supervisor of The Punchbowl last year but was allowed to keep his premises licence. The pub is currently for sale.
