THE social secretary of a Hampshire sailing club was beaten up in a bizarre assault on its pontoon as he tried to rescue a man from the water, a court heard.

Daniel Cruse had helped David Short to pilot a boat to Eling Sailing Club and they were mooring in Eling Creek when he realised that his friend had fallen into the water and was struggling.

Mr Cruse was not able to pull him from the water so, holding on to him by his jacket with one hand, he used the other to call for help on his mobile phone.

Three people, including Paul Scaroni, who had been drinking at the club’s bar, came to his assistance.

Winchester Crown Court heard that Scaroni effectively tried to take over, telling them: “Everything stops. I’m in charge, I’ve done a course.”

Scaroni then instructed Mr Short to put his hands around his head so he could pull him out but Mr Cruse objected because he knew Mr Short had previously suffered a stroke.

Prosecutor Richard Tutt said Scaroni suddenly turned towards Mr Cruse and punched him in the face, causing him a broken nose and a fractured eye socket.

Mr Short was pulled from the water on to the pontoon where he told Scaroni he was “off his rocker”.

Scaroni replied: “I’m trained, sir. You’re on film, sir.”

Scaroni, 49, of Jacobs Gutter Lane, Totton, admitted causing actual bodily harm. He received a 12-month community order and was told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for the community. He also must pay Mr Cruse £500 compensation.

Injuries Judge Keith Cutler called the incident “confusing and bizarre” and told Scaroni that he had inflicted significant injuries.

“I hope this is a sobering experience,” he told him.

In mitigation, Gary Venturi agreed the circumstances had been strange. He said Scaroni had been drinking but had no idea why he had acted in such a way in the heat of the moment. He was sorry and it was out of character, he added.