A DRIFFIELD man lashed out and assaulted another man outside a town centre garage following years of alleged taunts from his landlord, a court has heard.
A court has heard how Edward George Robson, 43, of George Street punched electrical engineer David Wilson several times in the head outside the Ellis Brothers Garage on the afternoon of December 7.
Robson pleaded guilty to assault by beating when he appeared at Bridlington Magistrates Court last Wednesday (January 4).
Victoria Mills, prosecuting, told the court that at 4.15pm Mr Wilson, who is a freelance electrical engineer was on a job at the garage when he was approached from behind by Robson.
Mrs Mills said Robson swore at Mr Wilson before punching him in the head 10 times causing bruising to his face.
Robson was recognised as the tenant who was living in the flat above the garage.
Mrs Mills said: “He (Mr Robson) was interviewed by police and during the interview he said he had been suffering from depression since he had problems with the garage owners.”
In mitigation Richard Drew said the matter was not as straight forward as Robson had made out.
“Mr Robson has resided in the flat above the garage for the last seven years. He rents this flat from Chris Ellis, one of a number of Ellis’s who live and work in the area,” Mr Drew said.
“From pretty much immediately after he moved into the flat he was subjected to almost systematic harassment.
“He would suggest he had been a victim of numerous personal slogans and verbal abuse from Chris Ellis and other members of the Ellis family.
“This harassment has accelerated in the last four months or so,” Mr Drew added.
Mr Drew said Robson had called the police after he overheard some verbal abuse directed towards him in a conversation between Norman Ellis and Mr Wilson at the garage.
Mr Drew told the court that a harassment warning was given to Norman Ellis who was told by police to stop the taunts.
“The baton was handed to Mr Wilson and he subjected Mr Robson to taunts and abuse,” Mr Drew added.
Mr Drew told the court that Robson, who suffers from depression and anxiety, plans to move to York where he hopes to secure employment.
Robson was given a six month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay court costs of £40.