A TEENAGER who punched a 32-year-old woman in the face had drunk nine pints of lager and several sambuca shots, a court heard.

The 17-year-old from Barnstaple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to assault at North Devon Youth Court on Tuesday.

The court heard the teen had been drinking in Kelly's Bar, Boutport Street, Barnstaple on January 22, when he was removed from the premises by door staff.

Ben Winzer, for the prosecution, said the boy became agitated with door staff outside the bar when the woman intervened and told him to calm down.

Mr Winzer said: "At this point he punched her in what was described as a haymaker fashion, leaving the left side of her face red and bruised."

Tim Hook, for the defence, said he was surprised the boy had been served so much alcohol at the bar, given his relatively small stature.

He said: "The woman, who was of a sizeable physical proportion compared to my client, had also consumed a large amount of alcohol. She pushed him and said, 'Go home little boy, you shouldn't be drinking if you can't handle it'.

"My client threw his hand and struck the woman but denies he punched her with a closed fist."

Magistrate Ian Kingsbury said: "You seem to consume a fair amount of alcohol for a young lad and I wouldn't want to see you jeopardise your job."

The boy's father, who appeared with him in court, asked Mr Kingsbury if he could speak to the bar's landlords to ask why he was being served in the first place.

Mr Kingsbury said: "We have no formal powers to do this but if the pub is a source of problems then there are things that can be done."

The case was adjourned until February 28, for a full probation report.

The teenager was released on unconditional bail.