TWO men were arrested after a night-time reveller was refused entry to a Chester city centre bar.

Chester Magistrates Court heard on Friday, April 14 that Richard David Gowler, 33, of Lomas Way, Congleton, kicked and damaged the windows of Fiesta Havana on Watergate Street on March 14, after he had been refused entry. He was arrested by police.

A short time later, Alan Robinson, 31, of St Marks Road, Saltney, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after he protested Gowler's arrest and was shouting and swearing at officers.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

Gowler was ordered to pay Fiesta Havana compensation for the broken windows, while Robinson – who was criticised by magistrates for "smiling so much" while in court – was fined.

Prosecuting, Andrew Madden said it was at about 10pm on March 14 when Gowler attempted to enter Fiesta Havana, but was asked to leave by staff as he was drunk and carrying a drink from another bar.

Gowler kicked the glass windows, in actions caught on CCTV cameras, and he was arrested and interviewed. The damage caused to the windows was valued at £500.

In interview, Gowler said he remembered kicking out at the windows, and had "too many whiskeys". He said he was sorry for what he had done and was willing to pay for any damage.

He had seven previous convictions for 15 offences.

Robinson was said to be aggressive with police, saying: "What the f*** has he got criminal damage for?", and was taken to the ground by officers.

He continued to be abusive to police, calling them "f*****g w*****s", and shouted and swore after he was cautioned.

Robinson had no previous convictions.

John Farnan, defending Gowler, said the defendant's last conviction was six years ago. Gowler was ex-Army and had mental health issues.

Robinson, defending himself, said he would have been 'six out of 10' drunk on the night.

Chair of magistrates Andrew Platt told Robinson: "I'm not quite sure why you are smiling so much. Are you remorseful in any way?"

Robinson replied: "A little bit, yeah."

Magistrates decided, in view of Robinson's "attitude", he would be fined £120, plus £120 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Gowler was ordered to pay £500 compensation and a £26 victim surcharge, as part of a 12-month conditional discharge.

Mr Platt told Gowler: "Keep your nose clean for 12 months, and that will be the end of it."