A FISHERMAN who had been drinking in Bridport town centre punched a man in the face before being seen to attack others in the street, a court heard.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard how Robert Jennings, 38, had been in a bar on July 24 before he went outside with a friend.

Dorset Echo: Robert Jennings stood outside Weymouth Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam McKeownRobert Jennings stood outside Weymouth Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam McKeown

The court heard they had been in Neon Bar in East Street but left the premises when they saw a drunk person being put in a taxi by a staff member.

Jennings was seen swearing in the street as he challenged the staff member.

Andrew Newman, prosecuting, said Jennings questioned why the staff member was helping the drunk person, which caught the attention of Scott Williams, an off-duty security officer.

Dorset Echo: Jennings. Pic: Sam McKeownJennings. Pic: Sam McKeown

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A statement from Mr Williams said: "I saw the member of staff helping the man into the taxi. The member of staff was approached by Robert Jennings who was swearing and asking why they were helping the drunk man. They were stood outside the NatWest bank in East Street.

"I walked over and I was punched by Robert Jennings in the face causing a swollen black eye. I was just in fear at that point after the assault, while the bar manager rang the police. The two men kept following me so I went back into the bar until the police arrived.

"Before he was arrested I saw him throwing punches at people outside the bar."

Dorset Echo: Neon Bar in East StreetNeon Bar in East Street

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Jennings admitted assault and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour.

The court heard Jennings, from Grimsby, has been living in the Bridport area while working as a fisherman.

Mitigating, Lee Christmas said: "He's a fisherman who has come from Grimsby to work. He spends long periods of time out at sea. He was letting off some steam while on land."

Dorset Echo: Natwest in East Street, Bridport. Picture: Google MapsNatwest in East Street, Bridport. Picture: Google Maps

A representative from the Probation Service told the court: "His previous court appearance was in 2014, which was also for violent, alcohol-related behaviour."

Chairman of the bench Mike Davis called for a pre-sentence report and adjourned the case until September 9.

Jennings was placed on unconditional bail until his next court appearance at Weymouth Magistrates Court.