PUB GOERS came to blows when a drunken property developer boasted about his wealth and offered to buy a round for strangers in a pub, a court heard.

Stephen Johnson had been drinking during an England World Cup match last summer and was in high spirits after a vital group stage win over Slovenia.

He was said to have been making a nuisance of himself in the Black Bull, in Yarm, near Stockton, and had been asked to leave by bar staff.

Teesside Crown Court was told the 46-year-old engaged Lee Driver and his friend in conversation and boasted about money and women.

His offer to buy the two men drinks was twice refused before Mr Driver got up to leave and was punched in the mouth.

The court heard that dental work to repair damage to his teeth – including two implants – could cost contract worker Mr Driver as much as £4,850.

Johnson admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was given a community order to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge George Moorhouse also ordered him to pay £1,000 compensation, telling him: “People who get drunk and assault others are committing serious offences. It is rather sad when someone of 46 years of age comes before the court for the first time. You got euphoric and drank too much.”

Duncan McReddie, mitigating, said Johnson, of Tamarik Close, Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, was ashamed of his behaviour on June 23.

Mr McReddie told the court that Mr Driver’s injuries were in conflict with Johnson’s level of culpability.

“The incident stemmed from the actions of a man of previous good character simply wanting to share the good humour he felt following England’s World Cup success – as it was at that point,” he said.

“He asked them to join him for a drink. He was met with a curt response that didn’t reciprocate his friendly and open gesture.

“He then went on to repeat the offer and it was rebuffed again, and he said something like ‘it’s all right lads, I’ve got plenty of money, I’ll get you a drink’.”

The court was shown CCTV camera footage which showed that Johnson was attacked by another drinker after he punched Mr Driver.

Mr McReddie said: “Mr Johnson regrets the incident.

He feels embarrassed and humiliated by his appearance before this court.”