A DRINKER who could not afford dental work after having a tooth knocked out in a pub attack has been awarded £500 compensation.

Brian Williams was attacked in The Angel in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, by a man visiting his brother at the Army base.

Mr Williams was punched in the face by David Walmsley as he and his brother, Scott, left the pub after an argument last summer.

Walmsley, of St Michael’s Road, Grimsby, admitted an actual bodily harm assault, and was yesterday given a suspended jail sentence.

The 26-week term was suspended for 12 months and Walmsley was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay damages.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 26-year-old part-time window cleaner has a history of violence and problems with drink and drugs.

He once assaulted his partner in bed after a drinking session, punching her, pulling her hair and throttling her until she passed out.

The court heard how Walmsley’s brother claimed he was at loggerheads with locals before their night out on July 31.

Mr Williams was with friends in the pub when the Walmsley brothers came in and became aggressive, said Jonathan Walker, prosecuting.

At one point, Mr Williams began to call the police, but then words were exchanged and the attack took place.

The court heard that one of Mr Williams’ upper back teeth fell out.

Judge Brian Forster told Walmsley: “The courts have a duty to show offences of this nature cannot be tolerated.

“People are entitled to go into licensed premises without being exposed to either abuse or to violence.”

Derek Duffy, mitigating, said father-of-one Walmsley has made efforts to curb his behaviour, and takes pride in looking after his eight-yearold son.

“He accepts going into that pub was a serious error of judgement because there was a high probability that the whole issue would flare up.

“He is apologetic and he accepts his behaviour was entirely without any justification,” Mr Duffy told Judge Forster.