A HOOLE man who smashed a bottle over his victim's head during a brawl at a Chester pub has been spared jail.

Richard Lott, 32, of Rowan Place, had admitted assault causing actual bodily harm against Rhys Williams in The Square Bottle pub on Foregate Street on the night of June 19.

Lott had also pleaded guilty to assaulting Adrian Salter and Catherine Elkin in the same incident, as well as later causing criminal damage to a custody cell at Blacon Custody Suite by smearing excrement on the walls and floor.

But magistrates at Chester Magistrates Court chose not to imprison Lott after hearing he had taken several steps to tackle his mental health issues, including creating his own self-help book and looking after his eight-year-old autistic son.

Prosecuting, Kate Wilson said Mr Williams was struck to the head with a glass bottle, leaving a cut, while Lott had pushed one person over and pushed another.

When interviewed by police, Lott said he was drunk at the time and paranoid.

Defending, Stephen Ferns said Lott made a number of admissions to the offences even though CCTV evidence of the incident was not clear.

He was very remorseful and apologised for his actions, and had mental health issues including anxiety and depression.

On the night in question he had consumed alcohol and, unusually for him considering his social issues, made the decision to go to The Square Bottle.

Mr Ferns said Lott's paranoia meant he thought people were laughing at him for wearing a pink T-shirt, when in reality they were most likely laughing about something else.

This led Lott to confront the people in the pub and the trouble broke out then.

He had a letter relating to a medical issue he had with his bowel, which led to the issue in the cells.

Mr Ferns added: "He is trying to improve himself and has taken on voluntary work with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in Boughton and hopes that will open up some doors for him.

"He needs to be the best version possible of himself for his son, who is autistic."

Lott had created a self-help book with a timetable to focus on spending his energy, including what times to dedicate to his son.

Magistrates sentenced Lott to an 18-week prison sentence for the ABH, suspended for 12 months. Suspended concurrent sentences were also placed for the common assaults (12 weeks each) and criminal damage (four weeks).

Magistrates said to Lott: "We believe that contact with your autistic son is very important; important for you, more importantly for your son, and for your mother to have some free time.

"You have a self-help book, which is excellent; you also need extra help as we understand you have mental health issues."

Lott was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, to include an alcohol treatment programme and a rehabilitation activity requirement, must pay £250 compensation to Rhys Williams, £50 compensation each to Adrian Salter and Catherine Elkin, plus £85 court costs.

He was also banned from The Square Bottle for 12 months.