THE new landlord of the King s Arms pub in Ely was assaulted by drunken Gareth Coleman as he tried to turf him out of the premises. As Andrew King attempted to force Coleman out of the door, Coleman threw several punches, some of them landing on Mr King s

THE new landlord of the King's Arms pub in Ely was assaulted by drunken Gareth Coleman as he tried to turf him out of the premises.

As Andrew King attempted to force Coleman out of the door, Coleman threw several punches, some of them landing on Mr King's head and arm.

After the incident, Mr King told police: "This is just one of many problems I have had since taking over the pub in November. I am considering whether I wish to continue as a pub landlord."

Twenty-five-year-old Coleman, of Main Street, Prickwillow, admitted assaulting Mr King on February 4. The incident started when staff told Mr King a drunken man had brought his own alcohol into the St Mary's street pub. The landlord took a can of beer away from Coleman, and then went back upstairs to finish his dinner, said prosecutor Delia Matthews.

Coleman stayed in the pub, his speech was slurred and staff were told not to serve him with any more drink. Hearing shouting, Mr King returned to the bar.

"Mr King told Coleman he was leaving now, and that did not go down well," said Mrs Matthews. The landlord held the door open, and Coleman said: 'I don't know where I am.'"

After being assaulted, Mr King was left with a scratch to his arm and a swollen and tender arm.

Mitigating, Jacqui Baldwin said Coleman had both alcohol and mental health issues.

The court ordered a pre-sentence report and gave him unconditional bail until March 22.