A TROUBLEMAKER who was abusive to door staff returned to a bar and assaulted a bouncer after being asked to leave. 

Gareth Skillen, 41, was in Hunters Bar in Cockermouth in the early hours of August 13 when a doorman asked him to leave because he was ‘causing trouble’.

Skillen refused and became verbally abusive to the doorman. The defendant was then ushered out of the bar, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the doorman was stood inside by the door when Skillen walked back in and punched him to the chest.

The man said he felt his breath being taken away following the punch. Police and an ambulance were called to the incident.

The victim added that Skillen had ‘no right’ to speak to him the way he did or to assault him while he was doing his job.

The defendant was identified by police from the CCTV footage. During police interview, Skillen said he was not guilty. He then gave ‘no comment’ responses for the rest of the interview.

Ms Fee said Skillen had a number of violent offences on his record.

Skillen, of Ribton Close, Cockermouth, who appeared in court via video link from Durham Prison, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Richard Flook, defending, said: “The victim didn’t need to seek any treatment this. It’s the case of a single punch and no subsequent injuries.

“He has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. It’s aggravated by the fact it’s an employee in the course of his job. It’s further aggravated by his unenviable previous record in respect of minor assaults.

“He is in custody. I would like you to consider that as well, when sentencing.”

Passing sentence, Sarah Bradbury, chair of the magistrates panel, said: “It’s aggravated because the person you punched was doing his job and we have also looked at your previous record and taken that into account.”

Skillen was fined £120 and ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim.