AN AMATEUR footballer has been banned from all licensed premises in four counties after headbutting two strangers without warning at a Wrexham bar.

Daniel Skimmings escaped jail after magistrates suspended his 18-week custodial sentence for two years and told him “sort yourself out” so he could be a proper role model to his four daughters.

Skimmings, who has been on the books at FC Queens Park, launched an “unprovoked” attack on Elliott White and Nicholas Jones who were in a party of Christmas revellers at the 1 to 5 Bar in Town Hill.

Mr White was rendered unconscious by a headbutt from Skimmings who then turned on Nicholas Jones, also headbutting him and leaving blood streaming from his nose.

North East Wales Magistrates Court was told both men were hospitalised after the ugly scenes that broke out in a courtyard at closing time at the late night venue in the early hours of December 28 last year.

Skimmings had 15 previous convictions for 22 offences and the magistrates noted that six of them were for offences against the person.

Chairman of the bench, Ian Hughes, said the CCTV footage of the assault was “very disturbing” and he warned Skimmings, who must pay both men each £500 compensation: “This could have been a more serious charge.

“You have got four daughters. You are a role model, but what example are you setting to them?”

But the magistrates accepted Skimmings, whose attack was fuelled by alcohol and drugs, was remorseful and told him to complete a range of rehabilitation activities to deal with his anger issues.

He was also told to keep out of all pubs, clubs and other licensed premises in Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Cheshire for a year.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson said Skimmings had screamed at his victims “Do as you are f…ing told” as their party were advised by door staff to move out of an outside smoking area as the venue began to close down.

Mr White recalled being sat on a step outside later with his face throbbing and a swollen lip. He also suffered bruising to his rib and a front tooth was chipped in the attack, although he couldn’t remember the incident.

One of his pals told police that he (Mr White) had hit the floor and his “eyes were rolling” as he appeared unconsciousness.

When Nicholas Jones came to his assistance he was also attacked and there was a “dull thud” as Skimmings left him sitting on the floor with “copious amounts of blood” pouring from his nose.

The thug was shouting “Come on let’s have you, don’t you know who I f…ing am”.

“He was angry and aggressive and wanted to fight others in the pub,” said the prosecutor.

Mr Jones also suffered bruising and was given an appointment in the ENT department, but managed to “click his nose back into position”.

Skimmings, 30, of Wyndham Gardens, Caia Park, pleaded guilty at the Mold court to two counts of assault.

He told police he could not stomach watching the CCTV and he had been “drinking himself stupid” on a week-long “bender” with his brother after they received bad news about their mother.

Andy Holliday, defending, said Skimmings had shown “instant remorse” and had told police he could not believe how he had behaved.

He was said to be in good employment and his solicitor said he was trying to move on “to build a better life”.

A probation report acknowledged he had “accepted full responsibility for his actions and had alcohol issues”.

The magistrates also told him to undergo 19 sessions of a thinking skills programme and to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days.

He also has to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £115.