Grieving carer struck soldier in Amesbury pub

Janos Magyar, 39, was at the Kings Arms pub in Amesbury on December 8 when he got into an altercation with soldier Liam Brand.

Magyar, who is a carer for his father, had been drinking double vodkas and pints of beer when he punched Mr Brand.

On Friday, Magyar admitted assault by beating at Salisbury magistrates’ court.

Mr Brand had been out on a Christmas function with his regiment when they noticed Magyar, of Queensberry Road, Amesbury, staring at them.

Prosecuting, Keith Ballinger said: “They noticed a man on his own listening to what they were saying and looking over to them.”

Seconds later Magyar walked over to the group and stood in the personal space of one of Mr Bland’s friends, the court heard.

“Mr Bland then said ‘you need to be careful about your next move’. [Magyar] then struck him to the face,” Mr Ballinger added.

“This did cause him some distress to that area of his face and then the male slipped over.”

Security staff stepped in and the police were called. Magyar was then arrested and questioned about the attack the following day.

Mr Ballinger said: “He couldn’t remember anything from the previous night or that morning. He had quite a bit to drink.”

The court heard Magyar was not a big drinker but had been out marking the fourth anniversary of his mother’s death on the night of the assault.

In mitigation, Nick Redhead said: “He has then overindulged in alcohol. Mr Magyar then interpreted the remark from Mr Bland as a threat.

“He has not been in trouble for some period of time and this was a single blow.

“He has not worked since October, he is not signing on or receiving any benefit.”

In sentencing, magistrate Simon Browning said: “This was an unpleasant event for the soldier. Fortunately for you the security staff stepped in when they did because something might have happened when you were on the floor.”

Magyar was ordered to pay £80 compensation, an £80 fine and a £30 victim surcharge.