A FATHER-OF-ONE has admitted to headbutting a stranger in a town centre bar, a court heard.

Mark John Bibby, aged 31, of Kentucky Close, Chapelford, left his victim with bruises to his face after smashing his head into the bridge of his nose.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Thursday how Bibby was drinking in Showbar on Friars Gate when he turned violent.

At 3.30am on November 16, the defendant became aggressive and began squaring up to a group of men.

Victim Nicholas Spreadberry attempted to split them up.

Alison Warburton, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was pushing a bottle towards the chest of another person and the victim told him to get away.

“He headbutted the victim to the nose and the defendant was dragged away.”

The court heard Bibby did not stop following the attack.

As Mr Spreadberry and friends continued to enjoy the night out, Bibby returned, confronting another man and throwing two punches.

“He tried to throw a third punch and fell over,” said Mrs Warburton.

Bibby, who works full time as a joiner, got up and continued to fight, the court heard.

Finding Mr Spreadberry again, he punched him in the face, causing further bruising.

Door staff were informed and the defendant was thrown out of the bar.

Once outside, police were told of the attack and arrested him.

When questioned Bibby, who has a young child, said he could not remembered what happened as he was ‘merry’.

On Thursday he pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Defending Bibby, who has one previous conviction for criminal damage in 2008, Tammy Mitchell said he was sorry for the assault.

“He very much regrets his decisions and expresses that to the court,” said Ms Mitchell.

“This really was a one off and something that was quite out of character.”

Magistrates sentenced Bibby to an eight week curfew to run from 7am to 7pm.

He will also pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.