A WINCHESTER man has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence for attacking a man in a city centre pub.

Benjamin Thompson, 34, assaulted Aaron Brown six years after an offence against the same person, a court heard.

Thompson, of Taplings Close, Weeke, admitted the attack on Mr Brown in O'Neills pub on Winchester High Street on March 6.

He also pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order by contacting Mr Brown on March 6 breaking an order made at Winchester Crown Court on July 7 2016.

Magistrates in Basingstoke jailed Thompson for six weeks but suspended the sentence for 12 months. Thompson must also undertake a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to ten says as well as paying £85 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

The court record said: "The offence(s) are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified, The reasons for this: an unprovoked attack of a serious nature, There have been previous offences against the same aggrieved; the defendant is on a court order and has breached a court order.

"The Court is however satisfied that he has demonstrated remorse and has personal mental health issues so the sentence is suspended."

There was no order for compensation with the court record stating: "It would inflame an already difficult situation and is inappropriate in all the circumstances of the case." No further details were given.

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