Pub brawl mayor guilty of assault

Michael Fryers said he was devastated at his conviction

A city's mayor has been convicted of assault following a pub brawl.

Michael Fryers, 60, Mayor of Lichfield, Staffordshire, had denied the charge of common assault but was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Tamworth Magistrates' Court heard he had pushed a former boyfriend of the woman he was with against a wall and grabbed him by the throat.

Fryers, a Conservative who represents Chadsmead on the city and district councils, was ordered to pay costs.

'Absolutely devastated'

Peter Bowes, chairman of the magistrates, said: "Perhaps the greater part of the punishment on Mr Fryers in this instance is the loss of his good name."

Fryers, speaking outside the court, said he was "absolutely devastated" by the verdict and would need a couple of days to think things over.

The assault took place during the early hours of 14 July.

The court heard Fryers, of Partridge Croft, Lichfield, had been sitting in the Kings Head pub with Susannah Stanton, 53, a former girlfriend of Peter Cole when Mr Cole came up to them and the fracas developed.

Another man, Michael Morgan, previously admitted punching Mr Cole twice during the incident and was given a police caution.

Lewd suggestions

Prosecuting, Claire Thompson, said the suggestion was that Fryers and Mr Morgan were heard making lewd suggestions.

Mr Cole told the court he asked them to stop it and Fryers jumped out of his seat, verbally abused him and took a lunge at him.

"He got hold of me round the throat at one point," Mr Cole said.

Fryers said he merely leaned across the table as Mr Cole approached and that he stood up to pick up his belongings.

Mr Bowes said the evidence of the pub barman had been crucial as Ms Stanton and Mr Morgan said they did not see Fryers push or grab Mr Cole's throat but the barman said he had intervened.

Barman Simon Hughes said: "Mr Fryers had got his hand round his (Mr Cole's) throat so I restrained Mr Fryers."

Mr Cole said he was left with nasty gashes on his neck.