Richard Haynes of South Littleton fined for assault by magistrates

Richard Haynes, of Lasota Way, South Littleton near Evesham, had let the victim borrow a book but had grown frustrated after attempts to ask for it back had failed. 

Mark Hambling, prosecuting,  said at 4pm on April 24 this year Haynes had gone to the victim's property in South Littleton to confront him. 

The victim had a baseball bat with him, the court heard. 

CASE: Richard Haynes was fined at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Facebook)

"Mr Haynes takes the baseball bat from him and hits him with it," Mr Hambling said. 

"It is charged as an assault - but a nasty one."

The prosecutor said Haynes left but then returned hitting the victim to his forehead and leaving a half to quarter of an inch scar. 

The victim also suffered slight bruising to his body. 

Haynes, who admitted assault by beating, was represented by Paul Stanley. 

The solicitor explained the book was a military book which belonged to Haynes' best friend's father and had sentimental value. 

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"The best friend's father had required it back, so he asked if he could have it back," the solicitor said.

Mr Stanley said Haynes felt aggrieved because, he had claimed, he had been assaulted by the victim. 

Mr Stanley said in the first confrontation there could have potentially been a case of self-defence, but this was lost when Haynes returned.

"The reason he pleads guilty, is it went beyond self-defence - he deeply regrets what happened."

CASE: Richard Haynes appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Judith Hulland, chairperson of the magistrates bench, fined Haynes £200. 

He was ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £80. 

Magistrates also made a two-year restraining order preventing contact between the victim and Haynes

The chairperson told the court due to them finding a "degree of provocation" no compensation order would be made. 

The case was heard on Thursday, (August 31).