A man was left £18,000 out of pocket in lost earnings after suffering a head injury when he was attacked at a Banbury pub.

Shane Bonas, 33, appeared before Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (June 15) to be sentenced for causing grievous bodily harm to the man at The Musketeer pub in Ruscote Avenue, Banbury, on May 15 last year.

When it emerged that he had no lawyer to represent him at the hearing, Judge Michael Gledhill KC adjourned the case for a month for him to instruct solicitors.

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Asking Bonas whether he wanted to be represented by a barrister, the judge said he thought the man ought to have a lawyer present.

“Mr Bonas, this is a very serious matter. You’re likely to get a prison sentence and you’re not represented,” he said.

“So, I know there are problems with getting Legal Aid, but this should have been sorted out.

“Do you want to be represented? I think you should be represented.”

Prosecuting, Cathy Olliver said there would be an application from the Crown at the next hearing for Bonas to be banned from all licensed premises in Banbury, as well as a request for £18,000 compensation for the victim.

The figure represented the earnings he lost as a result of being unable to work following the attack, during which he suffered a bleed on the brain.

Bonas, of Bretch Hill, Banbury, will return to court on July 13 for sentencing.