TV Dinners: Social Media Expert In Covid Meal Headbutt Row

Young: Meal & Drinks Row

A social media tv expert, who has worked on hit shows including ‘The Voice’ and ’Sunday Brunch’ head butted a pub manager during a covid meal and alcohol row, a trial heard.

Joel Young, 47, objected to what amounted to a ‘substantial meal’ after ordering sausage roll and chips and launched the sudden attack as he left the premises, the jury were told.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard the Leather Bottle pub in Garrett Lane, Tooting were enforcing the then-covid rules, which stipulated alcohol could only be served with a full meal.

Young, of Felix Court, Charcot Road, Colindale, who has also worked for ITN, Channel Four News and ‘First Dates Hotel’ has pleaded not guilty to assault, causing actual bodily harm to Skyla Bryant on December 5, 2020.

“It was the evening and Joel Young and his friend ordered a basic sausage roll and fries, with maybe a scotch egg,” said Mr Bryant. “They claimed they had a substantial meal, but I encouraged them to place another order.

“They complained about the rules and I reminded them of the guidelines and things escalated from there.

“It was Joel Young that got angry and he continued the conversation, saying: “This is f***ing ridiculous, this is a substantial meal,” and continued to swear.

“He downed the rest of his pint and said: ‘bye then,’ and I said: ‘bye then,’ and he turned around on the spot and and head butted me in the face, in the nose.

“The top of his forehead landed on the bridge of my nose.”

Earlier prosecutor Mr Francis Gaskin told the jury: “This was during covid and there were Tier Two restrictions in place at the time and customers needed to be having a substantial meal to be served alcohol.

Injured: Skyla Bryant

“This defendant and his friend went to the Leather Bottle and ordered some drinks and some food, sausage roll and chips.

“The deputy manager, Mr Bryant looked at the food order and said it was not a substantial meal and the customers should go or order more food.

“Mr Young was not happy about this and was angry, is the prosecution’s case. He put his glass down firmly on the table and said he was leaving.

“He went to the door and there was a time when both men were close and Mr Young head butted Mr Bryant, striking his face with the bridge of his nose.

“This was completely unnecessary, uncalled for, unlawful and unprovoked.

“The defence case is that he thought he was about to be attacked by Mr Bryant and used lawful force to defend himself.

“He went to hospital with a cut to his eyebrow and redness to his nose, which was bent and there was a fracture and damage to the nose.

“To be fair there was a previous incident when Mr Bryant suffered damage to his nose.

“Nothing was done by Mr Bryant that would make anyone think he was going to assault anybody.”

When cross-examined by Young’s lawyer Will Hanson Mr Bryant denied he was the aggressor.

“You could have appeared intimidating by following as he left?” asked the lawyer. “Were you angry and acting aggressively?”

The pub manager denied this as well as a suggestion he repeatedly shouted: “Get off the premises.”

He also denied “facing up to,” Young with his “fists clenched,” and was about to assault the defendant.

“I disagree,” insisted Mr Bryant.

Trial continues……………