‘Your skills should be used in the ring, not in public’

Samuel Masterman, of La Vrangue, St Peter Port, admitted the attack, which occurred in December last year at the North Plantation.

CCTV of the assault was shown to the court, in which Masterman could be seen among a group of people, and then punching another man in the face.

Crown Advocate Chris Dunford, prosecuting, said the incident had been spotted by those monitoring the CCTV and police were despatched, arresting Masterman soon afterwards.

The defendant apologised for his actions and said he did not know the other man.

Advocate Amy Davies, defending, said her client was hoping not to have a custodial sentence imposed since he was considering going to work abroad.

He could not remember the incident and did not know why he had punched the man.

It was a single blow and there was no evidence of any injury caused.

He was deeply ashamed of his behaviour and had stopped drinking after the offence.

References were submitted which, said Judge Gary Perry, showed that these people knew a different person to the one seen on the CCTV.

Masterman had previous convictions. Judge Gary Perry said that he was sure the defendant would have stopped drinking after his previous offences too.

‘As a boxing coach, what sort of example have you set?’ said the Judge.

‘Learning to box comes with a responsibility which is to use those skills in the ring, not in a queue for a night club against someone who is wholly unknown to you.’

Given his guilty plea and the references on Masterman’s behalf, the judge said he was prepared to spare him an immediate custodial sentence on this occasion.

‘But be under no illusion that this is your final opportunity,’ he said.

Masterman was sentenced to 100 hours of community service as a direct alternative to two-and-a-half months in prison.