Former soldier asks to be banned from all his locals

A former soldier and winner of the Military Cross has asked a judge to ban him from all his local pubs to stop him getting into trouble.

Scott Bryce, 26, made the plea as he faced charges over a fight outside in pub in Worcester city centre.

Bryce told district judge Nigel Cadbury that he was dealing with the trauma of seeing his friends die while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and that he was getting help from the charity Combat Stress.

Bryce, who was representing himself, said: “I was in the army for six years. I was awarded the Military Cross when I came out for my bravery. If I can recommend that you put a ban on me drinking in public places.

“I’m just always drinking and making a prat of myself and getting myself into trouble. I want to get away from it all, pretty much. Can’t you just stop me going into town?

“I was in Afghanistan seeing my friends being killed.”

The judge apologised to Bryce because he could not do more to help and recommended that he make an appointment with his GP or ask his probation officer for help.

Cadbury said: “I’m sorry I can’t help you any further. I’m disappointed the Army doesn’t have more backup for this sort of situation.”

Bryce was fined £135 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.