'Gentleman' Shropshire pub landlord is sentenced for punch which broke man's jaw
A "true gentleman" pub landlord who broke a man's jaw in self defence has been given a community order.
Luke Gilbert Gibson, 28, punched a man after being confronted moments after escorting two other people to their car outside the Royal Oak in Alveley, near Bridgnorth, on June 8 last year.
Mr Gibson had been concerned during the evening that a group of men drinking in the pub were going to become aggressive with another man.
When that man left the pub Gibson had escorted him and his girlfriend to the car and was confronted by two men "acting in a very aggressive manner" on his way back to the pub, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Gibson then punched one of the men, who fell over a bench and suffered a broken jaw. Gibson, of Alveley, admitted a charge of actual bodily harm.
Sentencing, Recorder Gareth Evans, said: "You are a 28-year-old man of good character. It is a tragedy you appear here today.
"The circumstances which led you to hit him were not of your making.
"You were landlord at a country pub where there would normally be no trouble.
"On this evening people came who were intent on aggression.
"You, as a true gentleman, walked a couple to their car. On the way back you were confronted by a man and defended yourself but you accept you went too far."
Judge Evans sentenced Gibson said Gibson's testimonials and references were glowing and sentenced him to a 12-month community order with a 12-month supervision requirement and 100 hours' community service.
He was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to his victim and a £120 victim surcharge.
