A MAN who assaulted a publican by hitting him with his walking stick after he had been refused a drink was barred from the pub for 18 months by magistrates.

Graham Hilton, aged 34, of St Helens Road, Bolton, was ordered to pay £250 personal compensation and placed on probation for 12 months after he admitted assaulting Francis Joseph Williams causing actual bodily harm. The order bans him from the White Lion pub in Rochdale town centre.

The court heard that Hilton had arrived in the pub after last orders and a request for a drink had been turned down.

The landlord went to escort Hilton from the premises but Hilton struck him across the face with his walking stick. The landlord was knocked to the floor where he was struck again by the stick and customers came to his aid and pulled Hilton away.

Hilton, who was on incapacity benefit, had previous drink and public order related convictions including one for assault on a police officer.