A DRUNKEN man struck a barmaid in the face and bit the landlord after being refused a drink in a pub, a court heard.

Daniel Robson became aggressive towards staff at the Surtees Hotel in Crook when he was refused service due to his drunken state and doubts surrounding his age.

The 20-year-old, of Hawes Crescent, Crook, attempted to get behind the bar during the incident on Sunday, August 24, prompting the barmaid to push him back with her palm.

David Ward, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court, today (Friday, September 5), said: “He hit the victim in the face twice. The licensee was upstairs at the time and heard the disturbance. “He came down and told the victim to call the police immediately. The defended was lashing out at people in the pub.”

The landlord tried to restrain Robson, who attempted to hit him, before biting his wrist.

Police officers had to use leg restraints and handcuffs to remove Robson from the pub.

Robson pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive words and behaviour and two charges of common assault.

A further charge of being carried in a vehicle taken without the owner’s consent, relating to an incident in Toronto, near Bishop Auckland, in June, was also put before magistrates.

Robson pleaded guilty to the offence last month and the case was adjourned to tie up with the other matters.

Fergal Bryne, mitigating, said his client had mental health problems and recommended an adjournment for probation reports.

Magistrates agreed and adjourned the case until Thursday, September 25.

Robson received unconditional bail.