A MAN from Buckley launched an “unprovoked attack” on a reveller at St David’s Park Hotel on New Year’s Eve, a court heard.

Wayne Jones punched Clinton Riley at the bar of the Ewloe hotel, causing his victim to suffer facial injuries.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told Flintshire Magistrates Court: “It was an unprovoked attack on Mr Riley who was at the bar.

"He had a conversation with the defendant earlier and when he turned his back he was punched and he was grappled as they both fell to the floor.”

Mr Riley suffered facial bone fractures, a loose tooth and lacerations to his lips in the attack.

Jones, 43, of Rhuddlan Road, Buckley, admitted wounding with intent on December 31 and he was sent to Mold Crown Court for sentencing.

Craig Hutchinson, defending, said his client was realistic that the offence could not be concluded in the magistrates court.

Deputy district judge Timothy Gascoyne warned Jones: “This is the sort of matter that needs to go to the crown court because the starting point is 18 months custody.”