THE 17-year-old son of the landlord and landlady of The West End pub, in Ely, was assaulted during a 60th birthday party, city magistrates heard on Thursday. Teenager Rhys Baxter got into an argument with family friend George Jugg, and was punched in the

THE 17-year-old son of the landlord and landlady of The West End pub, in Ely, was assaulted during a 60th birthday party, city magistrates heard on Thursday.

Teenager Rhys Baxter got into an argument with family friend George Jugg, and was punched in the face during a fracas outside the celebrations.

Jugg, 36, of Farriers Gate, Chatteris, admitted assaulting the youngster on July 9.

Solicitor Michael Judkins said Jugg could remember nothing about the incident. He had been given a drink in a shot glass during his father's birthday party that had a enormous effect on him.

"It must have been devastatingly strong - it made him feel sick and it is the last recollection he has," said Mr Judkins. "He can vaguely remember being at the police custody desk, he cannot recall anything that happened, and has to accept what the prosecution say."

Jugg had no feelings of hostility towards the Baxter family, he said, and wanted to apologise.

Prosecuting, Emma Dmitriev said Rhys Baxter and Jugg argued when the teenager refused to tell Jugg who had called him on his mobile phone.

"Rhys Baxter tried to leave, he called his mother to pick him up. When she arrived Jugg got hold of her, Rhys put himself between Jugg and his mother to protect her, and was punched in the face by Jugg," she said.

Jugg had to be put in leg restraints because he was violent when arrested, she said.

The teenager, who suffered injuries to his face, told police: "I can't believe that a regular at my parents' pub would do this to me."

Adjourning sentencing for a report, presiding magistrate Hamish Ross told Jugg: "We can all blame alcohol - you are a 36-year-old man, if you can't handle it, don't drink it.