Benjamin Gaskell, 25, was stationed at HMNB Clyde when he went out drinking at the Clyde Bar, West street, Helensburgh, with friends.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard Gaskell was asked to leave the pub at around 1.10am and swung his head backwards, hitting the bouncer on the face.

The bouncer was left with redness and swelling to his right eye.

The first offender pleaded guilty to the offence via his lawyer, Gordon Williams, but was not present in court yesterday [Tuesday] as he is currently in Australia and not due to return to the UK until July.

Mr Willliams said Gaskell, of Cardiff, had far more to drink than normal and is 'genuinely ashamed’ of his conduct.

He added that after it Gaskell ended up in a headlock and on the ground and the Navy had been notified of the incident which took place on October 26 last year.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry fined Gaskell £200 and ordered him to pay £200 compensation to his victim.