A WIRRAL man who spat at a doorman during an altercation in Chester city centre was provoked, a court has heard.
Christopher Russell, 23, of Stanhope Drive, Bromborough, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 7.
Russell pleaded guilty to possession of a class a drug (cocaine), drunk and disorderly behaviour and assault by beating.
Niamh Jones, prosecuting, told the court that police were alerted to an incident in St John Street, Chester, in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Russell was being restrained by door staff outside a venue, after having been asked to leave.
Russell was said to have been ‘shouting in the street’ and when door staff intervened, he spat at Jason Molyneux, hitting him in the face.
When he was arrested by officers, a small wrap of white powder fell out of his pocket, which was later confirmed to be cocaine.
The court heard that he had no previous convictions, but the assault was made more serious because of the ‘possible viral transmission’ of a bodily fluid.
Katie Barlow, defending, said that Russell had ‘never been in a courtroom before in his life’ and that on the night in question he had been out for a friend’s birthday.
Ms Barlow said that the defendant had conceded he had perhaps ‘had more than he would normally’ and was drinking vodka, which he would not ordinarily drink.
The court heard he had been ‘unable to recall the latter part of the evening’ but admitted that his actions were ‘completely unacceptable’ and was remorseful.
Ms Barlow also said that while Russell had accepted his assault by spitting at the doorman, Molyneux had provided ‘some provocation’ by delivering ‘several punches’ before Russell did so, something that was said to be mentioned in an officer’s report, and resulted in Molyneux’s arrest after the incident.
This was described as using ‘excessive force’.
The defence said that Russell was ‘unlikely to trouble the court again’.
He was fined £200, and will pay a surcharge of £80, and costs of £85.
Bench chair, Susan Evans, said she would not request compensation as magistrates agreed that some provocation had occurred.
Source – Chester Standard