In October 2019, 44-year-old Shane Saward was drinking and playing pool with his friend Scott Neasey at the tavern south of Wynyard.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Estcourt told the court a brawl broke out inside the tavern, and a second altercation occurred later outside in the carpark.

Broden Jhi Haines, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of assault for punching the man to the face and kicking him in the ribs in the second altercation outside.

"There was a group of some five males aged between 20 and 25-years-old who were also in the bar and as the complainant looked up from the eight-ball table he saw an unknown man punching into Neasey," Justice Estcourt told the court.

The judge told the court Mr Saward dropped his cue and ran to assist his friend, but was punched to the face.

The violence soon subsided and the two men left the tavern and called police, but Mr Saward was again attacked in the carpark.

"[He] walked over to the defendant's Land Cruiser to obtain the registration details of the vehicle," the judge said.

"He was, on the Crown facts, angry and agitated."

Justice Estcourt said three young men including Haines got out of the Land Cruiser.

"The defendant punched the complainant to the left side of his face. The punch knocked him to the ground.

"The defendant kicked him once to the left side of his torso while he was on the ground.

"No-one else has been charged in relation to any of these events."

Mr Saward was admitted to the North West Regional Hospital with bruising and a laceration to his head and multiple fractured ribs.

"I have seen a victim impact statement and it is obvious that these events have left him injured and fearful," Justice Estcourt said.

However, the judge said Haines was also fearful as Mr Saward "stood in front of the vehicle yelling".

"He accepts responsibility and is remorseful for the degree of force used," Justice Estcourt said.

Haines was convicted of assault and fined $500.