Hereford soldier sentenced for assaulting his brother-in-law

Simon Delaney, of Waggoners Way attacked Roger Pinnell in the Queens Arms, Broad Street at around 5pm on May 13. The assault, Hereford Magistrates Court heard, resulted in Mr Pinnell needing corrective surgery on his nose, which left a three-centimetre scar.

Prosecuting solicitor, Mark Hambling said Delaney walked up to his brother -in-law and punched him 'after whispering in his ear'."

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"He still feels on edge when outside and has to be extra vigilant," said Mr Hambling.

"He still has lots of pain and lack of sleep. He didn't work for two weeks.

"He had discomfort and didn't want any customers to see him so he had to take time off work for corrective treatment.

"He said it has impacted not only him, but his family."

In defence, Matt Lewis said his client is disappointed to hear that Mr Pinnell doesn't want any contact with him following the assault.

"He was hoping he would sort it out by sitting down with him and apologising, but if Mr Pinnell is saying he doesn't want any contact with him that his his decision and he will respect that," said Mr Lewis. 

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"My client had been drinking and accepts he had drunk quite a large amount of beer. 

"The result is him punching Mr Pinnell in the face. He accepts that from the outset.

"Mr Delaney is a serving soldier that his edging towards retiring very shortly after 20-plus years of service. He has managed to obtain some future work."

Mr Lewis added that, if his client was required to carry out more than 100 hours of unpaid work as part of his community order, he would be discharged from the Army which would affect his pension entitlement and 'cause a blemish on an otherwise unblemished career'.

Magistrates instead ordered him to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work, as well as attend 10 rehabilitation activity days as part of the 12-month community order.

He will also have to pay Mr Pinnell £2,500 in compensation, with a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his brother-in-law, lasting three years.

Court costs of £185 and a victim surcharge of £114 will also have to be paid.