The former landlord of Cardigan’s Black Lion Pub admitted two charges of assault when he appeared before magistrates in Aberystwyth.

Nigellus Vaz, 42, of Middlesex, was charged with two counts of assault by beating on September 20, 2016.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, told the court how the victims of the assault had refused to support the prosecution but that the CPS had chosen to pursue the case based on CCTV footage, picture evidence and statements made to the officer that attended the scene.

Magistrates heard how on the evening of the incident the pub had been closed but Vaz, his wife and another woman had been there drinking.

A row erupted between Vaz and his wife after it became apparent that a private matter between the pair was known to friends of his wife.

Defending Vaz, Alison Mathias said: “My client accepts that he handled the situation wrongly and inappropriately, but he said he had no intention to cause harm.”

The prosecution indicated that, based on CCTV footage, the assaults lasted around 20 minutes.

Magistrates adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Vaz will appear for sentencing on March 8.