Barrister cleared of flashing and beating guest at wedding

Christopher Dunn, 40, of Morley, Leeds, was acting as a best man at the celebration and categorically denied he "waggled" his penis at guests or beat mechanic David Baird-Dean as he lay on the floor.

The former Territorial Army reservist, who also served in a voluntary SAS regiment, admitted punching Mr Baird-Dean several times but only in self-defence.

He refused to speak to waiting reporters following the trial, but was understood to be "relieved and looking forward to getting back to his life".

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The jury at Preston Crown Court took just under six-and-a-half hours to clear Mr Dunn of causing grievous bodily harm and of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Dunn attended the reaffirmation of vows ceremony of friends Russell and Rosalind Poole on July 1 last year.

Following the ceremony the party moved to Harefield Hall Hotel in Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, for the reception.

Mr Dunn became drunk and sat at a table with three female guests.

The conversation became flirtatious and Mr Dunn, who has tattoos on his upper arms and back, was asked whether he had any more personal tattoos by one of the women who then indicated to his crotch.

He then flashed part of his pubic area but did not expose his penis.

Mr Baird-Dean, husband of one of the women, grabbed Mr Dunn by his wedding waistcoat and dragged him to a nearby terrace and threatened to attack him.

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Mr Dunn defused the situation and apologised to Mr Baird-Dean and the women guests.

But several hours later the row between the men flared up again and Mr Baird-Dean pushed the barrister down a flight of stairs and unleashed a flurry of punches.

Mr Dunn, who is a qualified jujitsu instructor and has been boxing since he was nine, struck back.

The lawyer hit Mr Baird-Dean, 48, who suffered severe injuries. Surgeons had to use metal plates and screws to reattach his upper jaw and eye sockets to his skull, the court heard.

The prosecution claimed Mr Dunn had launched the attack on Mr Baird-Dean and sat astride him punching him with both fists as he lay unconscious on the floor. This was denied by Mr Dunn.

Asked by defence counsel Paul Greaney if his penis was at any time exposed, Dunn replied, "no".

"And I assume you would also deny the claim you waggled it at the women," asked Mr Greaney.

"That is correct. I did not," answered Mr Dunn.

Mr Baird-Dean was not in court to hear the verdicts.