Landlord accused of kicking victim

AN Ipswich pub landlord accused of assault, today heard his alleged victim had been banned from the town centre for violent and drunken behaviour.

John Frost was allegedly kicked in the head 'like someone kicking a football' by Peter Sturman, licensee of Mannings on the Cornhill.

Ipswich Crown Court today heard that Mr Frost had been repeatedly convicted of being drunk and disorderly, using threatening behaviour, causing harassment, being abusive and damaging property. Magistrates eventually banned Mr Frost from Ipswich town centre.

Ernle Money, defending Sturman, said Mr Frost went into Mannings on the Cornhill on July 10 last year and begged customers for his £1.20 bus fare home.

Mr Frost said he became "riled and frustrated" when he was refused money. He denies becoming violent.

The court heard that Mr Frost, who had drunk six litres of cider, smashed the pub window with a concrete brick. He then threw bottles through the pub window at two women he said were laughing at him.

Mr Money said to Frost: "That was enough to trigger off your violent disposition."

Mr Frost accused Sturman of standing on his head up to 20 times.

Sturman, 47, is accused of kicking Mr Frost in the head, causing him actual bodily harm.

Earlier in the trial, the court heard Mr Frost was kicked in the head with the same force used by England rugby ace Jonny Wilkinson to take a penalty.

Sturman said he tried to kick a bottle out of Mr Frost's hand but his foot had connected with Mr Frost's head. He said he had acted in self-defence.

Mr Frost said he remembered passing out and then the emergency crews "slapping" him round the face to wake him. He was taken to hospital but released without any follow up treatment.

Mr Frost said he suffered a broken tooth and spinal injuries in the attack and had been on antibiotics and painkillers since.

The trial continues.