A NAVY officer who choked a man in a Weymouth nightclub has been fined £165.

Thomas Ryan, of Pearn Gardens in Plymouth, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 28.

He pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a man.

The charge refers to an incident on April 26 at The Closet nightclub on Maiden Street in which he assaulted a man by beating him. 

Charles Nightingale, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was in The Closet on Maiden Street in Weymouth.

“During the evening, the defendant and others had drunk a lot of alcohol.

“He came to take exception to comments made by the complainant to a female.

“The defendant approached the victim from the side and from behind him, put his arm around his neck.

“He tightened his arm, pulling back slightly.

“The victim passed out, fell to the ground and remained on the ground.

“CCTV shows other clients concerned and security also became concerned.

“He was described as being unconscious.

“The police and ambulance service were called.

“Mr Ryan left the premises, his location was found as a result of him climbing into a garden.

“The house owner called the police, believing he was about to be burgled.

“Mr Ryan dropped his wallet, including his ID and phone.

“He was located with his friends by police and when questioned, the defendant volunteered that he was the one the police were searching for.

“There was no permanent harm to the complainant as a result of the assault.”

Simon Lacey, mitigating, said: “Mr Ryan is a leading hand and an officer of the Royal Navy.

“He is well respected and has a degree of responsibility in his job.

“He is sorry to be here. He remembers some banter between the two groups, but he doesn’t know why he did what he did.

“Paramedics said that the victim suffered a bang to the head and said his memory loss was likely to have been from drink.

“He may have fallen first and then lost consciousness from hitting his head.”

Dominic Britton, chair of the Magistrates’ bench, said: “You have served 12 years in the Royal Navy, we thank you for your service.

“The assault you did was unexpected.

“We have taken into account that after you ran, you cooperated fully with the police.

“You have no previous convictions and are a man of good character who has served in the Royal Navy.”

Ryan was fined £165, and ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and court costs of £85.