A CASE of mistaken identity led to an innocent bystander being butted and punched in a Pewsey pub.

Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes heard on Tuesday that the attacker Karl Wyatt, 25, was full of remorse for the assault on James Burchill in The Moonrakers Inn on March 6.

Wyatt, of The Yard Cottage, Milton Lilbourne, pleaded guilty to common assault. The main injury was a black eye.

The court heard that Mr Burchill was talking to his girlfriend when he was approached by Wyatt.

Becky Abbott, prosecuting, said: "The defendant said 'What are you looking at? Mr Burchill told him to go away and the defendant stood in front of him and headbutted him hard on the nose. He then punched Mr Burchill in the face."

Miss Abbott said there was then a melee and a glass was broken on Mr Burchill's head but the Crown accepted Wyatt was not responsible for that. After the assault Wyatt, a bricklayer who had no previous convictions, apologised to Mr Burchill saying he had mistaken him for someone else.

In interview with the police Miss Abbott said Wyatt was remorseful and embarrassed and blamed the incident on having drunk too much.

Andrew Watts-Jones, defending, said: "Mr Wyatt is profoundly embarrassed and is not pleased with himself.

"He had been out with his mates and brother and he had a bit of a blow up. After he headbutted and punched Mr Burchill it was a bit like a Wild West brawl, everyone joined in.

"It seems Mr Wyatt thought the injured person slighted him in some way but this offence is totally out of character."

Wyatt was fined £500, ordered to pay compensation of £125 to Mr Burchill and prosecution costs of £34.