A BOLTON man has been given a suspended sentence for attacking a man acting in a “public-spirited way”.

Jack Riding-Axford, of Lynwood Avenue, admitted to assaulting Abdul Saeed at the Britannia Hotel, in Portland Street, central Manchester, last February.

Mr Saeed was praised by a judge at Minshull Street Court for his bravery and awarded £100 from public funds as he sacrificed his wellbeing for the safety of others.

He went to 30-year-old Axford’s room, next door to his, after hearing screaming, the court heard.

Denise Fitzpatrick, prosecuting, said Mr Saeed saw a man and a woman inside. The woman had blood on her face and Mr Saeed asked her if she was okay.

Axford, a salesman, interrupted and said it was none of Mr Saeed’s business and they went to talk in the corridor.

They were talking when Axford, unprovoked, headbutted Mr Saeed, bursting his bottom lip, and also punching him in the face.

He tackled Mr Saeed to the floor as a number of people tried to break up the fight.

Ms Fitzpatrick said: “While he (Mr Saeed) was on the floor he was punched a number of times and he began punching back trying to protect himself.

“He got Jack off him who stood up and took off his jacket in an aggressive manner. Mr Saeed went to hotel reception and spoke to staff and police were called.

“When police attended Jack appeared to be intoxicated, swaying on his feet and was agitated and was unable to control the volume of his voice.

“He was taken to a police station and interviewed where he admitted he had headbutted Mr Saeed and it was the first contact between them. He also said he had consumed alcohol and crack cocaine.”

Rachel White, defending Axford, said: “He has shown in the last 11 months more stability.”

Axford was given a three-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay Mr Saeed £500 in compensation.

Judge Anthony Cross QC also ordered that Mr Saeed should be given £100 from public funds.

"Mr Saeed should be praised, he is quite obviously a kind man and someone who is willing to sacrifice his personal safety for the safety of others," said Judge Cross.