A MAN knocked a Kendal pub reveller unconscious amid "concern" for two female employees who were trying to prevent trouble at the hostelry.

Warren Lee Chorley, 32, found himself in the Carlisle Crown Court dock for a one-punch attack on Trevor O'Neill outside the town's George and Dragon pub on Branthwaite Brow.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said Mr O'Neill was one of four men ejected from the pub at around 9.10pm on March 9.

"They continued in a rather aggressive manner, at least three of the men did," said Mr Rogerson. "The fourth man, Mr O'Neill, was described by the landlady as not being aggressive and not offering trouble."

CCTV played to the court showed one of the group "bouncing" on his feet in the street. "They were goading the female staff who had ejected them," said Mr Rogerson, who described their behaviour as "clearly aggressive" and "deplorable".

Outside the pub, "minding his own business" and having a cigarette, was Chorley, who watched as events unfolded.

Mr O'Neill, initially at the back of the group, then took a step towards one woman. "He (Chorley) reacted by walking towards Mr O'Neill, swinging a punch towards his face - a single punch which had the effect of knocking

Mr O'Neill to the ground, effectively unconscious, on the pavement in a heap," said the prosecutor.

The victim suffered a fractured eye-socket and needed hospital treatment, but had since been "thoroughly unco-operative" with criminal proceedings.

Chorley was said to have walked away from his attack, gone home and changed his clothes before coming back out into Kendal town centre, where he was arrested at 11.10pm, and later interviewed.

"He was concerned in that he felt the two females who were trying to deal with an aggressive and volatile situation were at risk themselves," stated Mr Rogerson. "He reacted in response to what he saw."

Chorley, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm, was backed in court by supportive references. Recorder Michael Murray also said he had been "impressed" by the contents of probation service report on Chorley, of Kentgate Place, Kendal.

Recorder Murray concluded he was "just persuaded" to suspend a 10-month jail term for two years. He also imposed rehabilitation and 100 hours' unpaid work.

"That's what's hanging over you for the next two years," Recorder Murray told Chorley of the suspended sentence. "Don't regard this as a let-off.
"It is a tough two years and it's meant to be as a direct alternative to going away."