A groundworker has been fined for punching a man in the head as he tried to break up a fight at a sports bar.

Father-of-three Edward Adams was at Lashings Sport Bar, in Upper Stone Street in Maidstone, on October 22 when he saw a brawl at around 2am.

The 35-year-old helped staff stop the fight but during the “heat of the moment” launched a single punch in the back of victim Simon Reeves’s head.

Adams, of Quarry Road, admitted one count of assault by beating during a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

David Fairest, prosecuting, said: “Mr Adams was present when a fight broke out at the sports bar and he tried to separate it.

“He punched the man in the face in what was described as an unprovoked attack.

In interview he stated that he was there with a group of friends and he had witnessed the fight and took it upon himself to break up what was taking place.

“He managed to assist staff in breaking up the fight and in doing so he hit Mr Reeves in the face. He wasn’t able to raise any valid defence for doing so.

“He said he didn’t know why he did that and that he didn’t remember doing it.”

A probation officer told the court Adams had been drinking spirits as opposed to his usual drink of choice, Fosters.

Representing himself he told the bench: “I’m sorry for what has happened”.

Adams was fined £267 and was ordered to pay £85 in court costs. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £30.