Peter Brooksbank repeatedly punched outside Houses of Parliament

Ronald Freeman, 56, (above) allegedly attacked Peter Brooksbank, 63, in London

A top lawyer and crossword champion was repeatedly punched outside a bar at the Houses of Parliament, a court heard.

Ronald Freeman, 56, allegedly attacked Peter Brooksbank, 63, outside the Sports and Social Bar in London.

Mr Brooksbank was taken to hospital by ambulance after several police officers were called to the venue, which is just yards away from the Commons.

Freeman, dressed in a blue pin-striped suit, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

He faces a single charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, which he denied at the hearing.

Mr Brooksbank is a lawyer who works as deputy counsel to the joint committee on statutory instruments, a group of MPs and peers that scrutinises secondary legislation. 

A huge crossword fan, he finished third in a competition organised by The Times in 2012. 

Top lawyer Mr Brooksbank (above) is said to have left hospital with a bandaged head

Top lawyer Mr Brooksbank (above) is said to have left hospital with a bandaged head

He is said to have returned to work the day after the alleged attack with a bandaged head.

The taxpayer-subsidised bar was closed while the alleged attack was investigated, but has since reopened.

Prosecutor Melanie Hardwick said it was a ‘sustained and repeated assault on the victim’. 

She said: ‘The victim was a regular at the bar.

‘There was extensive bruising to the victim’s head, face and cuts to both hands consistent with a fall.’

Freeman, of Masefield Avenue, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, denies one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was released on bail and will appear at Southwark Crown Court on April 9 for a plea, trial and preparation hearing.

The taxpayer-subsidised Sports and Social Bar (pictured) was closed while the alleged attack was investigated, but has since reopened

The taxpayer-subsidised Sports and Social Bar (pictured) was closed while the alleged attack was investigated, but has since reopened

 The popular drinking venue is situated just yards from the House of Commons (pictured)

 The popular drinking venue is situated just yards from the House of Commons (pictured)

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