A DISPUTE over a spilt drink at a Chester bar led to a man punching his victim in the face.

Harry Higgins, aged 28, of Stryd y Wennol, Ruthin, pleaded guilty to assaulting Lorcan McNicholas on the night of November 4 at The Church bar.

At Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, November 23, Higgins was handed a 12-month community order and must pay £100 compensation.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said it was at 11.50pm when one of Higgins's party bumped into the table where the victim's group was sat and a drink was spilt.

The victim's group called for Higgins's party to pay for replacement drinks, but this was refused.

Higgins then got involved in the dispute and punched Mr McNicholas in the face, leaving him with a cut to the lip.

Police were alerted and arrived at the scene at midnight. CCTV evidence at the bar showed the incident taking place and Higgins was identified and arrested.

Higgins, in police interview, said he had been drinking, had grabbed the victim by the head and punched him.

He had two previous convictions, one for being drunk and disorderly and one for wounding for which he received a two-year suspended sentence in 2014.

Defending, Richard Sibeon said: "This is one of those thoroughly unpleasant incidents committed under the influence of drink.

"He is disgusted at his own behaviour and fully accepted his conduct was out of order."

A probation service officer said it was "clearly very disappointing" for Higgins to commit this offence which was similar to one carried out five years ago.

The report added Higgins had not been out since the offence and had stopped drinking.

Chair of magistrates Clive Mason said: "We are disappointed to see you here today."

The 12-month community order Higgins must comply with includes a seven-week curfew at his home address between 8pm and 6am, and he must complete 100 hours unpaid work.

In addition, Higgins must pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.