Man smashed door after claim disabled friend was mistook for being drunk

A Spalding man smashed a door pane at a town pub after it was claimed a disabled friend was thrown out when bouncers mistook her for being drunk.

Boston Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday that Ian Fountain (48) has known The Punchbowl landlord Peter Williams for ten years and became frustrated when Mr Williams did not appear interested in hearing his complaint about the ejection.

Prosecutor Nick Todd said it occurred at 2.30am on August 25.

“He had been out for the night with friends. One of those friends had been thrown out of The Punchbowl. He became annoyed and kicked and smashed the bottom of a door.”

Mr Todd said Mr Williams detained Fountain until police arrived.

Fountain pleaded guilty to criminal damage at the New Road pub.

Mitigating, Suleiman Baig said it was an out of character incident for Fountain who took issue with the handling of his disabled friend, who has mobility issues. Mr Baig said one of the door staff apologised – they thought she had been intoxicated – but another one didn’t.

He added: “Mr Fountain has tried to speak to Mr Williams about the behaviour and he seems not to have been interested, walking off and ignoring him.”

Fountain, who lives in Stennett Avenue and is a full-time carer for his partner, was fined £80 and told to pay £45 compensation and £117 in costs and victim surcharge.