A SCRAP metal dealer who inflicted grievous bodily harm on a competitor by punching him was given a 10-month jail sentence.

But the judge suspended it for two years while Thomas Essex, aged 29, of Dibdin View, Bridport, attends a Building Better Relationships programme. He is banned from contacting his victim for five years who he must pay £750 in compensation.

Essex was also given a two year supervision order and ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work, on top of £250 in costs.

Essex appeared at Dorchester Crown Court for what is known as a Newton hearing where the judge decides who to believe when the evidence is disputed.

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

The charge related to an incident, captured on CCTV, in November last year outside Dorset Auto Spares in Bridport.

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

As Mr Bull was making the call, 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 that the prosecution argues a different story.

The prosecution argued that Essex came across Mr Bull and punched him in the face and did so without provocation.

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

Tim Dracass, representing Essex, suggested an alternative scenario and said the incident unfolded in a different manner.

He suggested Mr Bull harboured “ill-feeling” towards Essex and that was because he was a competitor, and had 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 that the pair fell out over “something to do with money” but he 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 said he was more inclined to favour the prosecution’s version of events. He said he thought Essex’s was an “unprovoked attack” which was set against an ongoing background between the pair.

Judge Forster said the CCTV footage was unclear and made it difficult to make out with clarity individual actions by either of the two men involved.

Essex received a 10-month custodial sentence, which will be suspended for two years.

A restraining order has also been issued preventing Essex from contacting Mr Bull directly or indirectly for five years.

Essex is required to take part in the Building Better Relationships programme and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

He will also be under a supervision requirement for the next 24 months.

Essex was also required to pay £750 compensation to his victim with a further £250 costs on top.