A man has admitted to assaulting another man at a Harrogate pub.

Peter Horne, Burley Bank Road in Killinghall, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court charged with causing actual bodily harm today (March 20).

Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court the incident, which happened on July 5 last year, was caught on CCTV.

Horne was at the Claro Beagle on Ripon Road on the night of the incident, where the named victim was working at the time.

The victim said there had been “some problems with the defendant” prior to the incident, the court heard.

Ms Ibbotson said Horne remained inside the pub after it has closed, despite being asked to leave.

The 45-year-old defendant then went behind the bar and assaulted the victim.

Ms Ibbotson added:

Horne then “slammed the victim’s head against the bar”.

The court heard the victim was taken to hospital, where a cut on his head had to be glued.

Sean Wilson, defending, said the defendant has “little recollection” of the assault due to being intoxicated.

Mr Wilson told the court the offence happened around the time of the anniversary of Horne’s partner’s death.

Horne’s father has throat cancer, and he was going through a difficult period at work at the time, the court heard.

“Mr Horne accepts he caused injury and that he assaulted the man”, Mr Wilson said.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. 

Horne will return to court for sentencing on May 9.