A GOLF enthusiast has been banned from playing his favourite sport by a judge.

Paul Maskell was banned from playing golf for three months as an additional sting to the punishment for getting involved in a street brawl.

The 21-year-old admitted assault and actual bodily harm when he knocked a man unconscious during an incident, in Chelmsford, on February 22.

The painter and decorator was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation and costs.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC also imposed a weekend curfew from 9pm to 2am and an “activity requirement” banning Maskell, of Henry Close, Clacton, from going to any golf courses or golf clubs for the next three months.

Mark Lakin, prosecuting, told Chelmsford Crown Court the victim, James Thomas, was punched and kicked in the head.

Mr Thomas had been out with friends celebrating a birthday and drinking when a dispute arose in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford.

Mr Lakin said: “Mr Thomas couldn’t remember what happened, and woke up in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.

“Witnesses said Maskell punched the victim a number of times to the face.”

The attack caused bruising and swelling to Mr Thomas’s right eye.

Priya Dave, mitigating, said Maskell accepted responsibility for his behaviour.

Mr Goldstaub said: “It was an unprovoked attack because you were drunk.”