Mick Bates' trial told reveller threw series of punches

A Mid Wales politician was repeatedly hit by another man moments before falling down a flight of stairs in a restaurant, a court has heard.

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates, from Llanfair Caereinion, near Welshpool, is on trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court accused of three charges of common assault and three public order offences.

The 63-year-old denies all charges.

Today William Rees, who was in a relationship with a worker at Charleston Steakhouse in Cardiff where the incident happened, told the court he had seen CCTV footage of the moment leading up to Bates falling down the restaurant stairs.

Mr Rees, a defence witness, was giving evidence on the fifth day of the trial, which resumed today.

Paramedics were called to assist Bates when he fell and was knocked unconscious, suffering head injuries.

It is alleged that Bates assaulted paramedics and hospital staff following the fall on January 20.

Giving evidence Mr Rees said: "What's been said about Mr Bates in this case so far is disgusting and terrible. I was shown CCTV footage and it showed Mr Bates and a friend and two other men in a bar.

"At one point a man started hitting Mr Bates, punching him to the face, neck and body. The blows sent him out of the room and on to the top of the stairs. Mr Bates didn't look drunk at all - he looked fine."

Mr Rees said a staff member at Charleston had shown him the CCTV but the tape has never been seen by police.

The prosecution claim Bates punched a paramedic in the chest and then grabbed another by his wrists as they attempted to treat him.

The trial continues.