Chesterfield man punched love rival after he saw him out on a date with his ex-wife in Staveley pub

Paul Edmond Bunting went into the All Inn pub, in Lowgates, Staveley, on February 1 this year and punched the man, who was out with his former partner, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Monday, February 21.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the incident, which showed Bunting swinging punches at the man, and onlookers trying to intervene. It also showed the attack on the pub worker.

Prosecuting, Ben Payne said no witnesses had come forward regarding the incident, and the prosecution was brought on the strength of the CCTV evidence.

“There was a child present who was almost caught up in the violence,” he said.

Bunting, aged 36, of Edale Road, Chesterfield, admitted two counts of assault when he appeared before the court.

Mitigating, Kirsty Sargent said that Bunting had been goaded by the new couple and the people they were with.

She said: “The first male he struck was on a date with his ex-wife. The relationship had ended but it was still a sexual relationship and it was very difficult for him to see her with someone else.

“They were pointing at him and smirking at him, and he went over and assaulted the male. The other male then came over to escort him from the pub, and he then assaulted him.

“He now has no contact with his ex-partner, other than they have joint custody of their 13-year-old son, and he is in a new relationship.”

She added that Bunting is still recovering from a serious accident last year which left him in an induced coma.

He is now back at work and has been placed on light duties, after suffering brain damage following the accident in August 2019.

Bunting had a previous conviction for battery dating back to 2016, the court heard.

Magistrates gave Bunting a 12-month community order to include 50 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

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