A SERVING soldier who poured a pint of lager over his ex-girlfriend’s head will receive two separate punishments – one from the court and one from the Army.

Ricky James Dixon had admitted assault against Daisy Evans on March 8 this year in Builth Wells but had denied another similar offence. He was acquitted of the second charge on the day of trial last month after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies told magistrates in Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday, December 16, the incident occurred in the White Horse pub in the early hours.

“Daisy Evans had been in a relationship with the defendant that ended in July 2019.

“On the night in question she had been out with her new partner. They’d been to the White Hart but she’d seen Mr Dixon and gone to a different pub, the White Horse. While there she was stood in the front doorway, when Ricky Dixon came from the rear entrance with a pint of lager and walked straight up to her and poured the drink over her head.

“Her boyfriend didn’t see the incident but Ms Evans then left via the front of the bar and made her way home.

“She said the incident has had some effect on her. She said ‘before this I had the worst anxiety anyway, I don’t sleep at night. Now I duck my head going through town and I have cut off contact with people because of it’.

“The defendant was arrested and gave a no comment interview. He issued a prepared statement accepting he poured the drink over her head.”

Mr Davies said Dixon had some previous matters dating back to 2018.

Paul Lewis, acting for the 25-year-old, of Castle Street, Builth, said his client had actually sustained injuries in the second incident, but had learnt his lesson and would now receive two forms of punishment.

“Mr Dixon is a serving solider, so should view his punishment as an army order,” said Mr Lewis, referring to a pre-sentence report conducted by the probation service, as well as a restraining order asked for by the prosecution.

“There are no issues raised by the report. Mr Dixon’s Army captain is sitting at the back of court and has been here on every previous occasion. The Army will punish him separately in any event.”

Mr Lewis said Dixon would attend rehabilitation requirements connected to any order via the phone if he is away with the military in the future.

“The Army will make him available for sessions and part of his punishment will be that when he is attending rehabilitation activity sessions these will come off his leave, so this is an extra punitive element,” added Mr Lewis.

“He has learnt his lesson, this has been a salutary experience for him. He was always fearful of the outcome as he knew he would be at risk of losing his career.

“The second incident he was charged with, he pleaded not guilty and he was found not guilty. He actually sustained injuries in the second incident.”

Chair of the bench, Ingrid Gallagher, told Dixon: “You have got a poor record and if you are seriously considering a career in the Army this has to be your last appearance. This is a last chance.”

Dixon must comply with a 12-month community order, which includes 20 rehabilitation activity days.

Magistrates also issued a restraining order which means he cannot contact Ms Evans, mention her on social media or enter Hay Road in Builth, and he must pay her £50 compensation.

He was also fined £300 fine and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £90 surcharge.