Soldier ‘safer on tour’

Jun 20 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

THE family of a soldier attacked in a Chester nightclub say he was safer in Afghanistan.

The 19-year-old was marking his return from a tour of duty when he visited RB’s on Northgate Street with friends.

But a fight broke out at about 11.30pm when they were allegedly assaulted by three men at the bar.

One of them, David Gill, 31, of Engfield Avenue, Saltney, appeared in Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with public order offences.

The family, speaking outside court afterwards, said: “He was safer dodging bombs and landmines than he is on a night out in Chester.

“He had severe injuries to his eye and hand.”

Ann Rouse, prosecuting, said Gill had previous convictions for assault and threatening behaviour and was still under probation.

Robin Boag, defending, said the fight was caused by Gill taking offence at something one of the victims had said, and his last similar offence was eight years ago.

Gill was fined £100, £43 prosecution costs and £15 victim surcharge.