In a shocking incident captured on video, former security guard Danny Williams was seen landing a vicious sucker punch on an unsuspecting stranger, following a failed attempt to hit on the man's girlfriend inside a Wetherspoons pub. The violent episode unfolded when Williams, 59, tried his luck with Philip Hackett's partner at The Eight Bells in Dover last August. His actions went unreciprocated as he approached the woman during Mr. Hackett's brief absence at the toilet.

Upon Mr. Hackett's return, Williams aggressively elbowed past him, threateningly claiming that he "won't see tomorrow." Concerned for their safety, the couple swiftly departed the pub, opting instead for the safety of nearby Dizzy Donkey. Their departure did not deter Williams; he followed and ambushed Mr. Hackett, striking him in the face from behind and sending him crashing to the ground.

Merely three days after this assault, on August 24, Williams found himself embroiled in another altercation at the Dizzy Donkey where he attempted, yet failed, to land a punch on bar manager Ben Pillott, only to tumble over himself. Williams, hailing from Dover, faced charges for common assault and assault by beating and subsequently admitted guilt for both at his appearance before Folkestone Magistrates' Court on April 2. Despite the severity of his actions, sentencing saw Williams avoid jail time. He received a community order instead.

Prosecutor Neil Sweeney recounted the disturbing events: "The first assault was on Mr Hackett who was out with his partner for a drink in The Eight Bells pub. He went to the toilet and left her at the table. Mr Williams approaches her and starts talking to her and when Mr Hackett comes back he tells him to leave. (Williams) then barged past him, but apologises. But then there is some interaction and he (Williams) says 'you won't see tomorrow.'

"He follows them to the Dizzy Donkey and he appears behind them and punches Mr Hackett in the right cheek. It was caught on CCTV and he was actually identified by the victim in the August 24 incident, as he is the bar manager at the Dizzy Donkey where Williams was drinking on August 24. Williams tries to punch him (on that night), but Mr Pillott sees it coming and he moves and Williams misses the punch and falls on the stairs."

Video evidence of both incidents was presented to the bench - along with a photograph of Mr Hackett's injury. Mr Sweeney added: "Mr Hackett suffered bruising to his face."

In his victim impact statement, Mr Hackett pointed out that if the punch had landed slightly higher on his temple, it could have been lethal. He also emphasised that he and his partner were in the area to avoid trouble - and said the attack had spoiled their evening out. Mr Pillott's victim impact statement noted that Williams was known for his violent behaviour and had been barred from other venues.

He also expressed that he should not have to handle violent incidents and was apprehensive about Williams returning to his bar. The prosecutor stated: "[Williams] has previous convictions for violence and has a history of it on his record. "It was a chance encounter with Mr Hackett and I am requesting a restraining order for the manager at the Dizzy Donkey." Defending, Debbie Pizzey revealed that her client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

She further explained that he acknowledges causing injury while under the influence of alcohol. She said: "He has no memory of the incident at the Dizzy Donkey (on August 24). He's been using alcohol intermittently since his early 20s. He commits offences and then there are gaps (in his offending), but he tends to drink when things get difficult.

"He's held various jobs and was a security officer at (Dover) port and became a father in 2021. He's now separated (from his daughter's mother) and becomes emotional as he's unable to see his daughter. He also has another four sons and has strained relations with them due to his behaviour. But he visits his mum and he was recently assaulted and walks with a limp due to a knee injury. He has undergone an MRI and is awaiting knee surgery."

The court was informed that despite previously being on community orders with unpaid work requirements, Williams had never received any intervention from probation to help him stop drinking. Ms Pizzey added: "He's now been banned from most establishments following these incidents and it's been seven months now and he's not returned."

Williams was handed a 12-month community order by the magistrates, with the aim of helping him tackle his alcohol problems through probation. The order stipulates that he must complete 10 rehabilitation sessions, in addition to sessions focused on improving mental health decision making.

Furthermore, Williams was instructed to pay compensation of £70 to Mr Hackett and £50 to Mr Pillott. He was also hit with a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs amounting to £85. Despite the circumstances, the magistrates decided against issuing a restraining order requiring Williams to keep his distance from Mr Pillott, deeming it unnecessary.