A MAN who "took exception" to a group of young men outside a Chester nightclub after one of them made a belittling comment about his partner punched one of them in the face.

Christopher Michael Chadwick, 32, of Lightbowne Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to the assault, which happened outside Rosies nightclub on Northgate Street, Chester on the night of March 1.

At Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, March 20, Chadwick was fined £346 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to victim Harri Jones.

Prosecuting, Amanda York said it was at 2.50am when Mr Jones was punched in the face by Chadwick.

Chadwick was later found in Foregate Street and arrested.

When interviewed, Chadwick explained his partner had lost her footing and fell over. A group of young men passed by and made belittling comments, and he had punched one of them.

He accepted he should not have done so.

He had four previous convictions for six offences, including four against the person.

Defending, Steve Coupe said Chadwick and his partner had been on a rare night out together and had drunk quite a bit of alcohol.

They were trying to get to the taxi rank but, not being from the area, were a bit lost.

His partner had fallen over on the cobbles and one of the group passing by had made a belittling comment.

"He took exception to it and made the blow," Mr Coupe explained.

Chadwick was remorseful and apologetic for his actions, the court heard, and this was "a one-off occurrence".

Chair of magistrates Alf Bean told Chadwick: "You have found yourself back before the court, which is a bit regretful. It was quite a nasty assault. This man's nose had been cut.

"We think this was an oversight after 11 years [of not offending]. Please don't come back before the courts."

As well as the fine and compensation, Chadwick must pay £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.