A REVELLER who drunkenly lashed out at a Barrow nightclub manager has been fined for his actions.

George Samuel McLuskie appeared at Furness and District Magistrates' Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating. The 30-year-old, of Gateway, Barrow, struck Zelina Jones during an incident in the early hours of Saturday February 25.

Mr Lee Dacre, prosecuting, told the court the defendant had been asked to leave Manhattans in Barrow at around 3.15am because he was too drunk, but had become aggressive and began flailing his arms around.

At some point he lashed out and hit his victim on the chin.

The court heard how McLuskie was still under the influence during his first interview, and admitted that he had been drinking heavily and flailing his arms but did not feel he had made contact with anyone.

During a second interview he was shown CCTV footage, and was instantly remorseful for his actions.

Mr Dacre said: “He said he couldn’t believe it, he was ashamed, and he wanted the victim to be told he was very, very sorry.”

Miss Amy Watkin, defending, explained to the court that McLuskie had been dealing with two family bereavements at the time of the offence and had “tried to console himself through alcohol and trying not to deal with the issues head on”.

He had felt the bouncers were being quite rough with him and had been flailing his arms to try and resist being removed. He accepted, Miss Watkin added, that he had been reckless as to the possibility of striking the victim.

The court heard McLuskie has since contacted the victim, who “graciously accepted” his apology. He has also sought help dealing with his bereavement.

McLuskie was fined £95 and ordered to pay £50 compensation, court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.