A MAN was knocked unconscious by one punch from behind during a Carlisle pub attack a judge branded “cowardly”.

Michael William Alston’s single blow assault on Josh Bain occurred inside the Cumberland Inn, Botchergate, late on May 19 last year.

While socialising, Carlisle Crown Court heard, Mr Bain was approached by Alston, who said to him: “Let my disabled friend through.” Mr Bain recalled a “struggle” and door staff initially removing 31-year-old Alston.

“The next thing [Mr Bain] knew he woke up in hospital,” said prosecutor Peter Killen.

CCTV footage played in court showed Alston attack Mr Bain with a single punch from behind in the pub. “People went to the aid of Mr Bain, who remained prone, and was placed in the recovery position,” Mr Killen said.

A police officer attended and found Mr Bain unconscious. “Mr Alston was in the vicinity having been detained by door staff at the premises. He was arrested, and on the way to the station made the comment: ‘He was pushing my disabled mate’.”

Mr Bain twice attended hospital and was discharged, in between complaining of dizziness and “a great deal of pain”. He was later found to have suffered a post-traumatic injury - a scar on his brain as a result of a bleed.

He has been unable to work but is expected to make an excellent recovery.

Brendan Burke, defending, described it as a “moment of madness” by Alston, a man of previous good character.

There had been a “perception of some kind of disrespect” towards his disabled friend, said Mr Burke, Alston responding but “not for a moment thinking to inflict really serious injury”.

Alston admitted causing grievous bodily harm. After hearing mitigation, Judge James Adkin suspended a 12-month jail term for two years. Alston, of Carlisle’s Brook Street, was given a five-month night-time curfew and pay his victim £2,000 compensation.

Judge Adkin described it as a “cowardly attack”, saying: “He couldn’t have seen it coming.”