Christchurch pub assault thug escapes jail time (From Bournemouth Echo)

Christchurch pub assault thug escapes jail time

9:00am Sunday 24th June 2012 in News By Julie Magee

AN alcohol-fuelled Christchurch man who racially abused one pub worker and bit another as they attempted to restrain him has received a suspended prison sentence.

Mark Boggis, 45, from Grove Road West, was found guilty of racially aggravated common assault and common assault at the Ship in Christchurch in October last year.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Stuart Ellacott said Boggis had become argumentative after being asked to leave the pub garden.

“He began swearing, particularly at the door staff, and threatened them, making racist comments and trying to throw a punch.

“In the course of being restrained one pub employee was bitten on the arm; his shirt and jacket were torn. Because Mr Boggis was so drunk there were no serious injuries.”

The court heard how Boggis had been in court 44 times and had been the subject of a conditional discharge at the time of the offences.

In his defence, David Gibson-Lee said: “He is not a racist – his girlfriend is half Japanese. He has done voluntary work for the Salvation Army and is doing his best to get himself out to this mess; he is mixed up and needs help.

“He was so drunk he does not clearly remember what happened and is at real risk if he is sent to prison.”

Imposing an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Samuel Wiggs described the offences as “very unpleasant indeed”.

Boggis was ordered to pay both of his victims £100 and must carry out 150 hours unpaid community work.