A SOUTH Tyneside man who was alleged to have battered a pub-goer in a drunken brawl has walked free from court.

Russell Hatch suffered severed head injuries after he was punched to the ground, smashing his skull against the pavement.

But his alleged attacker, Kevin Topping, 32, was found not guilty of the attack at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday after claiming he was defending himself.

After a four-day trial, the jury agreed that Mr Topping had acted in self defence when he hit out at Mr Hatch during the fight outside the

Victoria pub, Victoria Road, South Shields, on February 12.

The court had been told that Mr Hatch was rushed to hospital where he was treated for severe injuries.

Mr Topping was arrested, but claimed he had hit Mr Hatch in self defence when the pair had become involved in a fight.

Mr Topping, who lives in South Shields, was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray