A Winchester man cleared of GBH charges this week has apologised for leaving a man with serious head injuries.

Stephen Harfield (32), from Stanmore, was found not guilty of assault on Wednesday after a three-day trial at Winchester Crown Court.

He was accused of harming Robert Hutt during a brawl outside the Ship Inn, in Wales Street, on September 5th, 2002.

During the trial, the court heard how Mr Harfield had been arguing with Mr Hutt's friend, Luke Mellet, outside the pub after closing time.

Barmaid, Alice Giles, told how Mr Harfield started walking back to the pub after Mr Mellet ran off. Mr Hutt shouted something out, she said and Mr Harfield approached him and struck him.

The court heard that Mr Hutt fell and hit his head on the pavement. "He was shaking, his eyes were wide open and his ear had filled with blood," said Miss Giles.

The seriousness of the assault hinged on whether Mr Harfield punched Mr Hutt in the face, or whether he pushed him with an open palm in the chest.

But after less than two hours, the jury decided he was not guilty of grievous bodily harm.

Mr Harfield said later: "I'm relieved, but also sorry for the offence that took place to Mr Hutt. I really want to stress that.

"I really do apologise to him that, for something that was nothing to do with him, he was injured. It was very unfortunate that it was indirectly caused by me."

He added that he was looking forward to returning to "normal life".