Mid Wales politician denies assault charges

A Mid Wales politician was more than three times the drink-drive limit when he verbally abused a senior doctor, a court heard.

Mick Bates, 63, of Llanfair Caereinion, near Welshpool, is standing trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

He has denied three charges of common assault and three public order offences.

Dr Mohendra Kakollu, a senior A&E doctor at the University of Wales Hospital Cardiff, told the court today that he was examining Bates after he was admitted to hospital in the early hours of January 20.

The Montgomeryshire AM had fallen down a flight of stairs outside a restaurant in Cardiff and suffered a head injury.

Dr Kakollu said: "When I tried to examine him he used abusive language and I called security.

"He then used his legs and his hands to stop me doing anything".

Dr Kakollu said Bates's blood showed 255 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

The trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court had initially been adjourned on October 21 due to time constraints.

The trial continues.