By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 11:39, Friday, 22 February 2013

The former treasurer of a working men’s club has been given a suspended prison sentence for knocking out a man who questioned the way he was updating its financial affairs.

Frank William Hewer resigned the day after attacking George Graham in an argument outside the Senhouse Street Club in Workington last May.

The burly 50-year-old pleaded guilty at Carlisle Crown Court to causing him grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told the court the incident happened on May 20 after Mr Graham “took umbrage” at the way Hewer had “overhauled” the club’s finances.

The two men – both of whom had drunk “a significant amount” of alcohol – ended up outside the club, where the argument continued.

Hewer punched Mr Graham once in the face, knocking him unconscious when he hit his head on the ground.

As soon as he did it Hewer apologised and tried to help him up, Mr Rogerson said.

But Mr Graham had suffered a broken bone in his face and had to have two teeth taken out later.

The court heard that Mr Graham could remember almost nothing of the incident except that he was “hit in the face and all went dark”.

He told police that when he regained consciousness Hewer was standing over him saying: “Sorry, sorry, George. I will resign tomorrow if you like.”

Hewer, of Pearl Road, Salterbeck, was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to do 100 hours unpaid community work.

The judge, Recorder Terence Rigby, told him: “This is what happens when you lose your temper and you hit somebody.”

First published at 11:33, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk