Attack shame of licensee

THE former landlord of the John Silver pub has been sentenced to 160 hours community service for attacking the manager of the Trek 2 night club in Seaford.

Christopher Garvey, 30, now stripped of his landlord's job and working as a barman at the pub, punched night club boss Adrian Whittaker on Christmas Eve last year. He pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

At Lewes Magistrates Court on Wednesday Peter Teager, prosecuting, played a Trek security camera video where Garvey was seen confronting Mr Whittaker outside the club. He claimed one of his regulars, a 24-year-old man, had been assaulted by Trek bouncers. On the video Garvey was heard to say. 'He was in my pub, blood all over the place. He was cut to F***.'

Garvey then threw the punches as female onlookers screamed and men attempted to stop him.

Mr Teager said Mr Whittaker could be seen in the video attempting to calm Garvey down before he threw his first blow. He added: 'The defendant landed two very firm punches to the head of Mr Whittaker.'

This caused swelling the size of a fist to the left side of his face.

Paula Bristow, defending, said father-of-one Garvey was shocked and ashamed to see his actions on video. 'The behaviour seen on that video is totally out of character,' she said.

She added: 'Mr Garvey dealt with it very badly and lashed out. His behaviour was inexcusable.'

However, she said he had paid a harsh penalty for his actions. He had lost his job as landlord, been banned from every pub in Seaford and received jibes from his own customers.

'Every day is a constant reminder of his behaviour,' she added.

Garvey's wife has since become the new licensee of the John Silver.

Magistrate's chairman Neil Rose said a prison sentence had been considered. He added: 'There was clear evidence you were aggressive and abusive and wanted to be confrontational.

'The victim, Mr Whittaker, sought to avoid trouble.'

However, he said Garvey's remorse had been taken into account and sentenced him to 160 hours community service.

Garvey was also ordered to pay Mr Whittaker 250 compensation, and pay 118 costs.