A plasterer has been fined after a Boxing Day prank in a pub went wrong.

Christopher Tomkinson, aged 31, of Tynwald Road, Willaston, ended up being arrested after pullling a stool away from a friend.

He then got in to a row the pub landlord which resulted in police being called.

Magistrates fined him £250 after he admitted an offence of failing to leave licensed premises when requested to do so.

This replaces a previous charge of disorderly conduct on licensed premises. Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that police were called to the Heron in Anagh Coar on December 26 at 10.55pm.

They had received a report of a man refusing the leave the pub and knocking stools over.

When officers arrived Tomkinson was in the rear of the pub acting aggressively towards staff.

The landlord said he had pulled a stool from under a patron then thrown it.

He was said to have sworn and clenched his fists.

When interviewed by police later Tomkinson did not reply to any questions.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said: ’Mr Tomkinson deeply regrets what happened. The evening had gone well. He had a little too much to drink. He was asked to leave after an incident with a friend of his.’

Mr Taylor said that Tomkinson’s swearing had been more of a plea for him not to be ejected from the pub than him acting aggressively or threatening any violence.

He must also pay £125 costs.