Groom ends up in cells on wedding night

8:39am Saturday 6th September 2008

A BRIDEGROOM has been charged with assault and possessing cannabis after spending his wedding night in police cells.

A wedding party for 60 people, in the function room of The Old Bell Inn, Warminster, was shut down by door staff on Saturday night over concerns about suspected drug taking.

It is alleged that groom Nicholas Armstrong, 38, from the Sambourne area of the town, assaulted a member of door staff.

The bride was described by police as "distraught".

The landlord of The Old Bell Inn, Chris Wright, 36, received a call from staff on Saturday night and returned to the pub to help monitor the situation.

"We operate a zero tolerance policy on drugs and if anyone is suspected of using, selling or distributing drugs in any situation they will be ejected and banned for life," Mr Wright said.

"We heard a rumour that someone was doing cocaine in the function room toilets.

"We watched for a bit and as soon as we realised there was a possibility of drugs going on we chucked it out.

"The bride was furious with us for shutting it down. We ruined her night."

Police praised Mr Wright and his staff for their quick thinking and their decision to abandon the event.

PC Martin Faulkner, who is stationed at Warminster, said: "The staff at The Old Bell acted pro-actively to stop the party and a member of staff informed police.

"On asking the wedding guests to leave a male member of door staff was assaulted and received cuts above his right eye.

"The groom was taken to custody in Melksham. The incident was reported at about 11pm."

He added: "Drug use is unacceptable and police are pro-actively and diligently working to prevent it occurring, "We would like to thank The Old Bell for identifying a problem and allowing the police to deal with the incident properly."

If you have any information about this incident contact Warminster Police on 0845 408 7000.

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