A SAUNDERSFOOT man who ‘lost it,’ repeatedly punching a man he believed had assaulted a girl, has been spared jail.

Appearing before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, Courtnay James Harland, 22, of Cwm Gwennol admitted assaulting Stephen Compton, causing actual bodily harm, in the village at 1am on August 30 of last year.

He was jointly charged with Sonny Leo Mountford, 22, of Sardis, who admitted assaulting Mr Compton on the same date.

Prosecuting, Rhys Thomas said an altercation involving Mr Compton and a group of girls, including Mountford’s girlfriend, lead to her being pushed to the floor.

“At this point the defendant (Mountford) ran towards the complainant and punched him to the face, causing him to fall to the ground,” said Mr Thomas.

Mr Thomas said Harland then arrived, kicking and punching Mr Compton several times, even continuing when he shoe came off.

Defending Mountford, Jamie Subbiani said Mr Compton had been ejected from the Deck public house after he had “caused an incident”.

He said Mountford believed his girlfriend had been hit by Mr Compton during a later altercation.

Mountford was given a 12 month conditional discharge, with compensation of £50, costs of £85 and a surcharge of £15.

A probation service report on Harland by Julie Norman said one of the woman had blood on her face.

“He assumed the victim had caused the injury, he ‘just lost it’,” said Mrs Norman.

Defending Harland, Anthony O’Connell said his client had received “distressful news” that evening.

Mr O’Connell said the situation on the evening had “escalated quickly,” adding: “He hasn’t thought clearly at the time, he ‘lost it,’.”

Harland was given a 20 week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £400, costs of £85, and a surcharge of £80.