A SCRAP metal dealer who inflicted grievous bodily harm on a competitor by punching him in the face has been spared from prison.

Thomas Essex, aged 29, of Dibdin View, Bridport, appeared at Dorchester Crown Court for a Newton hearing.

Essex had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm against John Bull but contested the prosecution’s version of events.

The charge relates to an incident that occurred in November last year outside Dorset Auto Spares, Bridport.

The incident was captured on CCTV and shown to the court.

Rufus Taylor, prosecuting, said Mr Bull had been outside the shop making a phone call to his father whilst leaning on his car.

As Mr Bull did so, Mr Taylor said Essex parked up on the other side of street and made his way towards Dorset Auto Spares.

It was at this point the prosecution argued Essex came across Mr Bull and punched him in the face without provocation.

The court heard both men knew one another working in the same trade but had fallen out a number of years ago.

Tim Dracass, representing Essex, suggested the incident unfolded in a different manner.

He suggested Mr Bull harboured ‘ill-feeling’ towards Essex because he was a competitor, and caused Essex to react by attempting to strike him.

Speaking to Mr Bull in the witness stand, Mr Dracass said: “I suggest Mr Essex’s head has recoiled backwards and that is because you have struck out or attempted to strike out with a sideways motion with your hand.”

Mr Bull told the court the pair had previously fallen out over ‘something to do with money’ but denied attempting to strike Essex prior to being punched.

Essex told the court he pleaded guilty to the charge because he knew he had thrown the punch and caused harm.

The court heard Bull suffered facial injuries as a result of Essex’s punch.

Judge Brian Forster QC favoured the prosecution’s version of events, stating it was an ‘unprovoked attack’ against an ongoing background between the pair.

He said the CCTV footage made it difficult to make out with clarity individual actions by either of the two men involved.

Essex received a 10-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. A restraining order has been issued preventing Essex from contacting Mr Bull directly or indirectly for five years.

He is required to take part in the Building Better Relationships programme and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He will be under a supervision requirement for the next 24 months and also has to pay £750 compensation and £250 costs.