An alcoholic who beat up the manager of a Redditch wine bar normally drank a bottle of vodka and eight pints of beer each day, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Ryan Dowling had been barred from Yates's, said Gareth Walters, prosecuting, but he turned up in the afternoon of March 6 and attacked Richard Upton.

Dowling, who was also on tablets for depression, could remember nothing of what happened, said his barrister, Tim Sapwell.

Dowling, aged 25, of Lysander House, Farnborough Road, Castle Vale, Birmingham, who pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, was jailed for 15 months.

Judge Michael Mott said people who managed bars and pubs always ran the risk of disorder and violence. But in this case, Mr Upton was just going about his normal work of clearing up when he was attacked and had to be taken to hospital.

Dowling had been blind drunk when he carried out the assault, although he had later shown remorse.

The attack happened after Dowling had gone into the bar to query why he had been banned, said Mr Walters.

He suddenly punched Mr Upton between the eyes, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on a table.

Dowling jumped on top of Mr Upton before punching him again and running off.

Mr Upton had a cut nose, bruising and concussion and spent a night in hospital.

Dowling, who was arrested five days later, recognised his alcohol problem and had taken steps to redress it while on remand in prison, said Mr Sapwell.