A man has denied attacking the organiser of an event for military veterans after it descended into violence.   

Richard De Buc, 45, is accused of repeatedly punching the man and pushing him into a glass cabinet during a violent confrontation at an armed forces and veterans breakfast club gathering in Norwich.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told about 30 people had attended the event at the Reindeer pub on Dereham Road on February 24 which was billed as a “supportive and friendly safe haven for former military personnel”.

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Wayne Ablett, prosecuting, said it was claimed De Buc had become abusive and aggressive, throwing the organiser into glass that shattered before throwing seven punches to his head and face.  

De Buc, of Douglas Haig Road in Norwich, pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and the assault of a police officer he is said to have bitten while being arrested.

He will stand trial on April 7 next year with the court told he intends to claim self-defence and disproportionate force by police. 

He was given bail not to contact the complainant or visit the pub.