Barrister denies flashing, beating wedding guest

A BARRISTER accused of drunkenly flashing his penis to a group of women at a wedding reception yesterday denied beating a fellow guest unconscious.

Best man Christopher Dunn, 40, insisted he had never exposed his penis to the women and admitted throwing a “flurry” of punches at fellow guest David Baird-Dean but only in self defence.

The former SAS reservist, who has a black belt in jujitsu, said he flashed only his pubic bone to the guests before being dragged away by Mr Baird-Dean. Giving evidence at his trial at Preston Crown Court, Mr Dunn, who weighs 114kg and is 6ft 4in, said he was “frightened” at being dragged across the lawn by 70kg Mr Baird-Dean.

The situation calmed but some hours later the pair came to blows during the reception at the Harefield Hall Hotel in Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, on July 1 last year.

Mr Dunn said he was attacked by Mr Baird-Dean who threw several punches to the lawyer’s head.

He said he struck back and hit the mechanic as hard as he could in an effort to knock him out.

Mr Baird-Dean, 48, suffered severe injuries.

Describing Mr Baird-Dean, Mr Dunn said: “He threatened me and said he was going to knock me out and kick me all over. I couldn’t let that happen.”

Mr Baird-Dean threw several punches at the lawyer who struck back with his right fist.

Mr Dunn said: “I hit him as hard as I could.”

Mr Baird-Dean fell to his knees and Mr Dunn stopped the fight when he realised the extent of the mechanic’s injuries.

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