A MAN pleaded guilty to assault after a row about a taxi home from a Christmas party.

Magistrates at Bury heard how Scott Evans, 25, had been on a night out with workmates. Tempers flared after Evans and three friends were asked to hand over £2 each before they got into the cab.

The court was told that the taxi had already been claimed by Mark Holt and when it was discovered he was going in the same direction as Evans and his friends, it was suggested that they travel together.

But, according to Mr Stanley Sumara, defending, the cash was said to have been demanded.

A heated argument broke out and eventually turned to violence. Mr Holt allegedly threatened a woman in the group with Evans.

However Mr Sumara accepted that Evans, who was alleged to have kicked Mr Holt repeatedly while he lay on the floor, had gone beyond any reasonable bounds with his actions to defend the woman.

In court, Evans, of Waterlane Street, Radcliffe, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was ordered to carry out 180 hours community service, pay his victim £250 compensation and court costs of £69.