Corey Barber, 35, had smashed beer taps at the venue before running behind the bar, grabbing the victim by the shoulders and headbutting him once or twice on May 15 last year.

Wodonga Magistrates Court on Monday heard the licensee had told the father-of-four he could go to the hotel for a drink, as long as he promised not to cause any trouble.

But the court heard Barber had “flipped out” after a few mid-strength beers and swore at the victim before the attack.

He claimed the victim had been in his personal space, but magistrate Ian Watkins wondered how that could have been the case when he had run around the bar to get the publican.

“I don’t think he’s got the personal space there to intrude on,” Mr Watkins said.

“I don’t think he’s got a feather to fly with (regarding) self defence.”

Witnesses made statements stating that Barber had headbutted the man, but the victim thought he had been punched.

He went to a doctor in Tallangatta the day after the event.

Photographs of the man’s injuries, which included abrasions, cuts and swelling, were tendered during Monday’s hearing. 

Barber was interviewed by police on May 19.

He admitted he had been at the hotel, but made no further comment.

He did not dispute charges of using offensive language or damaging property, but lawyer Geoff Clancy said he had been reacting to a “perceived threat”.

Barber eventually pleaded guilty to charges of reckless causing injury.

Mr Watkins said the defendant appeared to have been “determined to be a pest, and that’s what he was”.

He has prior offences linked to alcohol, but Mr Clancy said his client had brought things under control following the birth of his first child six years ago.

Mr Watkins noted he had spent time in jail and had a drink-driving offence in 2014. 

“To say that this involves any self defence on your behalf is just nonsense,” he said. 

“Your behaviour towards the publican, your behaviour in smashing the beer tap, was entirely inappropriate.” 

He urged him to get his drinking under control, or else he risked being sent back to jail. 

He fined Barber $2500 with costs of $122.