A MAN on a winning streak at a city casino twice punched another gambler who complained about the way he was behaving, a court heard.

Tony Nimmo, aged 24, struck the sailor who was bemoaning his own bad luck, Plymouth magistrates were told.

His solicitor said that the losing gambler made offensive remarks about Nimmo and his party, who were celebrating a string of wins.

Nimmo punched the man in the face at the Stanley Casino in Union Street and even after he was thrown out by staff returned to hit him again.

Magistrates put him on a 12-month community order, ordered that he pay £100 in compensation to his victim and £335 to the casino for a door he broke on the way.

Nimmo, of Old Woodlands Road, Crownhill, admitted assaulting the man by beating and causing criminal damage on December 23 last year.

He also admitted breaching a conditional discharge imposed for being drunk and disorderly in June last year.

Claire Tresidder, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that the manager at the casino spotted Nimmo, a regular customer, having a heated discussion with another gambler at 3.30am.

She added that as the manager went to calm things down she saw Nimmo punch the other man in the head.

Miss Tresidder said that three members of staff grabbed Nimmo and ejected him through a nearby fire exit.

However, she told the court that Nimmo burst back in, breaking glass and wood in the door.

Miss Tresidder added that he hit the man in the face again.

She added that the victim had no serious injuries but was left with a headache.

Alan Harris, for Nimmo, said that his client had been drinking as he enjoyed a night out with family and friends.

He added: "His party was persistently and consistently winning and the sailor was losing every time he played.

"He was commenting on the way they were behaving and was becoming increasingly offensive. His comments were getting nastier."

Mr Harris said that Nimmo was remorseful, had co-operated with police and pleaded guilty as soon as possible.