A DRUNK who beat up a Good Samaritan at a taxi rank in Darlington has narrowly escaped jail.

David Pigg plead guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm at Teesside Crown Court yesterday morning (May 27), after attacking a man who intervened in an argument he was having with a woman at the market place rank in the early hours of November 30.

The court heard how the 56-year-old, of Marrick Avenue, in Darlington, was shouting at the woman when the man intervened and told Pigg to “leave her alone”.

Prosecutor, Harry Hadfield, said the victim had been on a night out in the town when he tried to stop the argument but, according to the woman, was then “punched really hard in the face which connected with his right eye and saw him to the floor and then kicked three times in the head".

Two police officers were then “flagged down” by the woman with Mr Hadfield confirming that when one of the officers spoke to Pigg, a ground worker for Network Rail, he admitted he had given the man “a smack”.

The man, who was initially knocked unconscious, was left with a 1cm cut to this eyebrow which required stitches and was admitted to Darlington Memorial Hospital for observation.

He later told police he was now wary and anxious of going out.

He also said his Dolce and Gabbana watch had been damaged in the attack and would cost £500 to repair.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said his client was “thoroughly ashamed of himself and completely remorseful”.

“He’s apologised to the victim in this case, he’s sincerely sorry for what happened that night and he fully agrees with the suggestion of compensation, he’s disgusted with himself,” Mr McReddie added.

“There was a misunderstanding about a handbag which had been mistakenly picked up and did lead to an argument.”

Mr McReddie said alcohol had been the trigger in the case and that the new grandfather was addressing it but did realise he could face jail which had left him “petrified”.

Judge Peter Bowers said: “This is an attack on someone that was trying to control your drinking.”

He sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay £1,250 to the victim as well as £250 in prosecution fees.

“This was a very expensive night out,” he added.