A former mayor of Fairford has denied assaulting a man at a pub in the town causing him a facial injury in April 2022.

At Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Monday (May 10) prosecutor Graham Dono said that James Nicholls, 47, of Yells Way, Fairford is alleged to have hit Michael Jeans at the Marlborough Arms during the evening of April 8.

Mr Dono said the Crown case is that Mr Jeans was seated at the bar with his partner at around 10pm when Mr Nicholls arrived. After a heated discussion between the two men Mr Nicholls allegedly threw a punch with a clenched fist at Mr Jeans, he said

Mr Nicholls was then pinned him to the floor by those socialising in the pub, said Mr Dono. The police were called and arrested Mr Nicholls.

The court was told that Mr Jeans sustained a cut above the eye, but he did not require medical treatment.

Tim Burrows defending said that Mr Nicholls is claiming lawful self-defence.

Mr Nicholls grew up in Fairford and had served with the army for 20 years. He moved back to Fairford in 2018 and became the deputy mayor of Fairford in 2019.

Mr Nicholls was elected as the town mayor in May 2020 and he was unanimously re-elected for a second term in 2021.

He has resigned as both mayor and town councillor following the allegation being made against him in April.

At today's hearing Mr Nicholls pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr Jeans by beating on April 8, 2022 and the case was adjourned until his trial at the Cirencester Courthouse on July 5.

District Judge Nicholas Wattam released Mr Nicholls on conditional bail until that date.