A man who bit a hotel owner on the leg after he was refused more alcohol has avoided being sent to prison.

Johnathan Robert Ian Black (29) of Castle View, Newtownstewart appeared at Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday where he was found guilty of two counts of common assault and disorderly behaviour in a licensed premises.

The court heard on November 4, 2018 at around 8pm the defendant was drinking in the bar of Mahon’s Hotel and was in an intoxicated state and was causing annoyance.

The barman, Sean Mahon, refused to serve him any more alcohol and it was at this stage the 29 year old reached to try and grab the barman who pushed him back.

Black then tried to get behind the bar which resulted in the barman and his father who was one of the owners of the hotel to intervene. Paul Mahon, the father fell on top of the defendant and was bitten by Black on his right leg, through clothes which broke the skin and caused bleeding.

The defendant then left the hotel before the police arrived. He was identified and police were advised of what happened. Mr. Mahon required a tetanus injection because of the bite.

Black was arrested and interviewed. During interview he said he had alcohol in his system. He said he was not 100 per cent sure what had happened and replied “no” when asked if he assaulted Mr. Mahon.

Gráinne McAnaney, Black’s barrister told the court it was a highly unfortunate incident which was the result of a full day drinking session.

Mrs. McAnaney said there were high levels of intoxication but her client understood that was no excuse for what took place.

She said Black was unable to recall events and the statement he made at the time was retracted after he received advice and entered a plea of guilty.

Mrs. McAnaney told the court her client had no issue with alcohol and there have been no issues since the original incident in November, 2018.

She said Black understands the seriousness of the case and has had it hanging over him causing anxiety and stress and hopefully the punishment would help him to move forward and teach him a lesson.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan told the court the aggravating feature in the case was the assault on two people at a place of work, one who was “bitten like and animal”.

He told the 29 year old custody threshold had been passed but he had to factor in a number of things like his clear record. Judge Ranaghan sentenced Black to four months suspended for two years. He also ordered Black pay compensation to the tow victims, £150 to Sean Mahon and £250 to Paul Mahon.