Best man knocks out bridesmaid at wedding reception

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A bridesmaid was knocked unconscious after the best man punched her in the face on the wedding day, a court heard on Friday.

Leanne Edmunds was still wearing her bridesmaids' gown when best man Paul Allen flattened her after a row at the reception near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.

The 23-year-old young brunette was knocked out for 'several minutes' after the attack, was left bleeding from a facial wound and had a black eye.

The court heard that the attack happened after Edmunds fought with her boyfriend Gareth England at the wedding reception.

"Allen became involved in their conversation and was told to mind his own business," the Daily Mail quoted prosecutor Rachel Knight as telling Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

"The couple walked around the corner but Allen followed them a few minutes later. His intentions were good at that stage but he and Mr England ended up scuffling on the floor," Knight said.

The court heard that Allen walked away but moments later approached Edmunds, who was standing on a lawn outside the party.

"Without any provocation he punched her to the eye and she fell to the ground," Knight said.

"The next thing she remembered was waking up on the floor with people putting coats on her.

"Her eye was bleeding and she was dazed and confused by the assault and she believes that she was unconscious for some time," she said.

Allen, who has a history of violence, told police that he was trying to calm the situation between the rowing couple.

Steven Donoghue, Allen's lawyer said while defending, in the court the court: "His initial motives were good."

Allen, of Hirwaun, South Wales, admitted common assault and was given a three-month jail sentence and has been suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid community work, put under a 12-week night time curfew and told he must pay 250 pounds compensation to the injured bridesmaid.