A man who assaulted hotel staff was handed a suspended jail sentence in the last ever case at Spalding Magistrates’ Court.
Philip Malone (37) punched doorman Martin Fox and grappled with him on the floor – a short time later the doorman was airlifted to hospital with chest pains and suffered a heart attack.
Malone also headbutted bar manager Richard Parrott at The Deeping Stage, Market Deeping.
Jim Clare, prosecuting, said Mr Fox didn’t know whether his heart attack was caused by the incident or if it would have happened any way.
Mr Fox was fitted with a stent, stayed in hospital for five days, and was “very philosophical”, saying in a way the assault was a good thing because “I got quick treatment for my heart”.
Mr Clare said Malone was with a friend in the hotel garden at about 2.30pm on April 29 when he was seen trying to urinate on a swan and put his private parts in his friend’s drink.
Staff remonstrated with Malone and pushed him down the drive towards the road.
About two minutes later, Malone appeared inside and headbutted Mr Parrott on the nose before “jumping” on Mr Fox.
Malone, care of Churchfield Close, Deeping St James, was given 16 weeks’ custody, suspended for a year, and a year’s supervision by probation. He must pay £100 compensation to each victim and a £60 victim surcharge. He admitted the assaults at a previous hearing. Magistrates banned Malone from entering The Deeping Stage for a year.
Solicitor Roger Lowther, mitigating, said Malone has a “borderline personality disorder”, which may have had some bearing on his behaviour that day. He said a heart condition requiring a stent is something that builds up over a long period and the incident may have led to Mr Fox’s life being saved.