A PUNTER’S after work drinks turned violent after he attacked the barman and smashed a toilet door when he tried to hide inside.

James Dawson went into the Red Lion Cafe in Colchester town centre and was drinking for more than six hours after finishing a shift at nearby marketing agency.

At one stage, he went on to the other side of the bar and was told to move away by a staff member.

He then lashed out, hitting the barman with the palm of his hand and then punched him in the face.

The frightened worker tried to take refuge in a toilet and Dawson, 35, followed him and started kicking the door.

Police were called and he was arrested.

Dawson was interviewed and said he could not remember what happened but accepted what he had done and that it was wrong.

He initially accepted a community resolution with conditions he pay for the damage and write a letter of apology.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard he asked police how to do either without contacting the man he was banned from talking to and was eventually arrested for not complying with the resolution.

Dawson, of Mersea Road, Colchester, admitted assault and criminal damage.

The victim was left with a black eye and minor concussion from the attack in April and said he still feels nervous when large groups of men now enter the bar.

Paul Baker, mitigating for Dawson, said the behaviour was totally out of character.

“At the time he was working nearby and went into the café after work,” he said.

“He then began to drink alcohol and the barman drank with him.

“At some point he remembers being provided with shots and the next thing he recalls is the police arriving and arresting him.

“He is pretty horrified at his own behaviour on that particular evening - it is not the way he usually acts and he is thoroughly shocked at what he had done.

“The incident shook him up and he has been in contact with Open Road to discuss his alcohol consumption. That is absolutely not an issue anymore.”

Magistrates ordered Dawson, who is now unemployed, pay a £200 fine and a total of £240 in compensation - £120 to pay for the door and the other half as remuneration for the man’s injuries.

He must also pay costs of £85 and a £32 victim surcharge.