Nelson publican saves patron from cricket bat attack

A Nelson publican has been hailed as a hero after risking his life to save a patron being bashed with a cricket bat.

Martin Coram, the publican of the Rising Sun Tavern, came to the aid of a 56-year-old patron, who was unconscious and suffering head injuries, early on Friday morning, the Press reported.

A 34-year-old is to appear in Nelson District Court today charged with serious assault.

Mr Coram told the Press he emerged from his pub to see a man attacking a patron with a cricket bat. He said he tackled the assailant to the ground, and was hit in the side of the head with the bat.

"We wrestled on the ground for a while and traded blows because neither of us was going to let go of the bat."

Mr Coram said he was terrified during the attack, but he was just doing his job.

"We have host responsibility here. He was drinking in my bar and it is my job to provide a safe environment here," he told the Press.

Detective Sergeant Mark Kaveney said the victim and the attacker had argued in the pub before the attack, before the accused left the pub and waited for the victim in bushes outside.

Mr Kaveney told the Press Mr Coram had potentially saved the victim's life.

- Herald Online staff