A JUDGE said people were ‘sick to death’ of going to pubs where the atmosphere was ‘entirely ruined by thuggish behaviour’.

Recorder John Ryder QC’s comments came as he sentenced a Formula 1 engineer for an attack at a Bicester pub.

Christopher Slatter, 32, had already pleaded guilty to wounding his victim at the White Hart on August 4, 2019.

The judge told Slatter’s barrister: “Quite frankly, members of the public are sick to death of going to places in which they should be able safely to enjoy themselves, where the atmosphere is entirely ruined by thuggish behaviour.”

He added: “What is to be done? How is this culture of immediate resort to violence going to be addressed? What’s the answer to it?”

Slatter was said to be ‘thoroughly ashamed of himself’. He had not gone to the pub to cause trouble and the behaviour would not be repeated. He was not the kind of person who needed to be jailed in order to send a message of deterrence, Recorder Ryder was told.

The defendant worked as a Formula 1 engineer, designing and making bodies for cars. He still lived at home with his mother and siblings, and the family would suffer financially if he were sent to prison.

Slatter, of Whitelands Way, Bicester, admitted causing grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and must pay more than £2,500 in compensation.

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