A MAN who launched a homophobic attack on the landlord of a North Lincolnshire pub, was so drunk he could not recall the crime, a court heard.

Prosecutor Dennis Aisthorpe told North Lincolnshire magistrates the victim of the assault was Terrence Braniff-Coe, the landlord of the Bay Horse at Winteringham.

The attacker, John Spink, of Marsh Lane, Winteringham, had previously been barred from the pub.

Mr Aisthorpe said Mr Braniff-Coe lived at the pub with his partner, with whom he had gone through a civil partnership.

At about 10.30pm on April 5, Mr Braniff-Coe was walking his dog on the footpath outside Spink's address.

"He saw the defendant, he noticed he was having a lot of trouble getting his key into the lock," Mr Aisthorpe said.

He asked if he needed any assistance and Spink turned around and asked who it was. "He said it's Terry – Bay Horse Terry," he said.

Spink then launched the attack. "The defendant suddenly punched Mr Braniff-Coe in the head twice. The punches were in quick succession," said Mr Aisthorpe.

The landlord walked away, but Spink started hurling abuse at him.

Mr Braniff-Coe later told police he was 'very scared' over the assault.

"About three years prior to this he had a coil fitted inside his head because he had a brain haemorrhage and any blow to the head could have been fatal," Mr Aisthorpe explained.

Richard Lunn, for Spink, said his client could not dispute the evidence in the case, as he was too drunk to recall what had taken place.

Spink (45), admitted a common assault charge. The case was adjourned for reports and he was granted unconditional bail until the sentencing date of September 10.