A SOLDIER admitted attacking a man after a drunken night out in Salisbury.

Adam Cook, 31, of Horne Barracks, Larkhill, pleaded guilty to assault at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday.

Prosecuting, Kate Prince told the court that Cook had been casually drinking with Adam Perkins in The Chapel nightclub in Milford Street when the incident took place on Friday, October 7.

The court heard Mr Perkins was also a soldier, but although the two men had bought drinks for each other during the course of the evening, they had never previously met.

Ms Prince said that the club was busy, and Mr Perkins had no idea what happened next.

But the footage from the Chapel’s CCTV system showed Cook headbutting his fellow soldier.

The magistrates were told that he had drunk three beers in the club, and had previously been drinking in Larkhill before travelling to Salisbury.

Defending the 31-year-old artilleryman, Trevor Line said that Cook worked with unmanned aircraft known as drones.

“It’s a specialist role,” he said. “There are only four of these roles in the whole army.”

He added Cook was on a five-day standby, and the start of any conflict would mean he would be among the first rushed to the frontline.

Mr Line then said that his client was not able to explain why the assault had occurred and was very remorseful with what happened.

Bench chairman Deborah Couzens said she took into account all the facts, and although the incident was serious enough for a community order, she would limit it to a fine of £1,000.

Cook was also ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge of £85 and £100 respectively, as well as paying £200 compensation to Mr Perkins.