A MAN who had just moved to Aberystwyth has been handed a community order after admitting punching and kicking a man on Terrace Road.

Stephen McGann, of 26 Cambrian Street, pleaded guilty to the assault of Kevin Wall.

McGann, 42, initially denied he had attacked Mr Wall when apprehended by police officers just after midnight on 26 August.

The incident, however, was witnessed by on off-duty police officer, the court heard. When found by officers on Aberystwyth seafront, McGann told them: “Look at me. Do I look like someone who assaulted a guy?”

The court heard that McGann punched Mr Wall three times before kicking him again while he was on the ground. He required medical attention for facial injuries.

Janem Jones, defending said that while McGann “suffers from memory lapses” he “accepts the account of the off-duty officer and other witnesses.”

Ms Jones said McGann, who was currently living in the night shelter in Aberystwyth but looking for permanent accommodation, had come to Aberystwyth to “sort his life out”.

Brought up in Nottinghamshire, McGann worked with his father in a removal firm, before his father passed away 10 years ago.

McGann has had alcohol problems since then, Ms Jones told Aberystwtyth magistrates.

“He is very cross with himself and is extremely sorry,” she said. McGann was handed a 12-month community order and was made the subject of a four-week curfew. He was ordered to pay compensation to the victim of £100, as well as court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £30.