A 21-year-old roofer from Calne was fined more than £300 after he pleaded guilty to assaulting the landlord of the White Hart Hotel in December.

North Wiltshire Magistrates Court heard on Thursday how Shaun Hodby of Saddle Back Close assaulted David Leaning on December 28 after he tried to remove a group of rowdy males, including the defendant’s younger brother from the pub.

Defending, Jeremy Griffiths said: “I have explained to him what he should have done in that situation. The bottom line is my client should not have got involved in the first place and that is why he is pleading guilty today.

“He is a working man with a good job and he is a calm character. He was not going out to look for any trouble.”

Hodby was charged £305 in fines and District Judge Simon Cooper gave him credit for his plea and the fact he is currently working as a roofer.

Judge Cooper added: “I think you have learnt your lesson.”