The landlord of the Legionnaire pub in Neyland suffered a broken hip following a row over a pool game, a judge heard today (Thursday).

Neil Herbert, aged 53, was hurt so badly he still used a zimmer frame and a walking stick more than four months after the attack.

Justin Keith Holmes, aged 42, of College Park, Neyland, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Georgina Buckley, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court how the two men had played for opposing teams during the pool contest on June 4 last year.

After the competition had ended there was an argument over an alleged foul committed during one of the games.

Mr Herbert went outside for a cigarette but heard something said that caused him to decide to tell Holmes to leave the pub.

“He did not get that far,” added Miss Buckley.

As Mr Herbert re-entered the building Holmes dragged him to the ground, breaking his hip. Other customers quickly tackled Holmes and got him away from Mr Herbert.

Miss Buckley said Mr Herbert underwent a four hour operation on his hip and by the end of September was still having difficulty getting around and had not returned to work.

Paul Hobson, representing Holmes, said the serious consequences of the attack had been “freakish” and said Holmes had not intended to cause such an injury.

The judge, Mr Recorder Peter Griffiths, said the effect on Mr Herbert had been “catastrophic.”

Holmes was jailed for nine months, suspended for two years, placed under supervision for two years and ordered to undertake a thinking skills course.

He was also ordered to pay Mr Griffiths £600 in compensation, but he warned him that was “nowhere near” what Mr Herbert could be awarded in damages in the civil court should he decide to take legal action against Holmes.