A MAN has been spared jail after launching an unprovoked attack on another person at a city centre bar.

Richard Evans, of Mwyn Ffordd in Minera, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old admitted that on June 2 in Wrexham, he assaulted a man named Jacob Porter by beating him.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that the victim and the defendant were both in the Karaoke Bar on the night in question.

In the incident, CCTV footage of which was played to the court, they had some kind of "interaction" whilst stood at the venue's "punching machine."

Evans then turned and punched Mr Porter, causing a cut to his forehead.

The defendant was arrested and was "extremely aggressive" - making threats to fight officers.

Mr Espie reminded District Judge Gwyn Jones of his powers to exclude the defendant from licenced premises.

Following an interview with the defendant, a probation officer told the court: "He expressed remorse and explained the victim had been playing on a punching machine.

"He (Evans) had been watching him and he claimed that when the victim turned to him, he asked if he wanted to 'have a go.'

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"The victim's body language was such that he thought it was a challenge to fight but on reflection he sees the error of his ways.

"His offending suggests a lack of consequential thinking when he is intoxicated.

"Mr Evans worked in the scrap business for many years but at the present time he is in the process of setting up a landscaping business with his son."

Following the thorough probation report, Alun Williams, defending, made limited representations to the court.

But he asked the court to consider potentially limiting any exclusion to premises in Abbot Street.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the court: "This was an unprovoked attack on licenced premises, when in drink.

"It's clear that when in drink you are unable to control your emotions and you're unable to read the room.

The Leader:

"Matters are made worse by virtue of the fact you've used your fists in the past."

Evans received a 16 week term of custody, but it was suspended for 12 months.

He must undertake 200 hours of unpaid work, as well as paying £500 in compensation to the victim and £85 costs.

He was excluded from attending any on-licence premises (pubs, bars etc) in Abbot Street, Wrexham, during his suspended sentence.