A SOLDIER punched and headbutted a stranger in Chester as he thought the man had been badmouthing Bolton.

Jordan Lee Coldray, 22, of Dale Barracks, attacked Robert Evans, who claimed he had actually been talking about Blackpool.

The victim and a friend had been walking home to their student accommodation after a night out when they spotted another pal walking along with the defendant, whom they had never met.

They were introduced and carried on their journey until Coldray took exception to a comment he perceived Mr Evans had made.

Prosecuting at Chester Magistrates Court, Rob Youds said: “He cried ‘you’re talking s*** about Bolton!’

“Without warning he then punched him to the left side of the face with his right fist.”

Mr Evans tried to clarify he had been talking about Blackpool but Coldray would not listen, and squared up before launching a further four or five punches.

“Mr Evans then approached the defendant to try and get him to calm down,” said Mr Youds. “But the defendant pushed him against a wall and headbutted him three or four times.”

The men then made their way back to the student accommodation but Coldray followed and kicked their front door, leaving a boot mark and splitting the frame.

Police were called and he was arrested and later charged with assault and causing criminal damage.

In interview, Coldray said he did not remember much about the night. He has no previous convictions although he has received a caution for battery.

He failed to attend his court hearing today (Monday, March 25) and magistrates found the case against him proven in his absence.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and he will be sentenced at a later date.