Best man ‘flasher’ denies assault

A DRUNKEN barrister accused of exposing himself to bridesmaids before battering a guest at a wedding in North Yorkshire told his victim he would “seriously beat him up”, a court heard yesterday.

Best man Christopher Dunn, 40, so offended guests at the country hotel reception that David Baird-Dean stepped in to drag him away.

Mr Dunn was threatened with police being called but guests relented when he offered an abject apology and claimed that as a barrister he would be in trouble if arrested, Preston Crown Court heard.

But hours later the heavily built lawyer allegedly beat his victim until he was unconscious.

He had to be dragged away by fellow guests.

Mr Baird-Dean, 48, suffered such severe injuries that surgeons had to use metal plates and screws to re-attach his upper jaw and both eye sockets to his skull.

Mr Baird-Dean denied concocting the story to support his £27,000 criminal injuries claim.

Mr Dunn denies a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He claims he had acted in self defence after Mr Baird-Dean attacked him.

The trial continues today.