A GARDENER who hit a co-worker on the back of his legs with a hoe has been fined £600 and ordered to pay damages.
Jose Manuel Viera Pacheco (26) apologised and shook hands with the victim following the attack, the Magistrate’s Court heard.
On 18 April, Pacheco got into an argument with the employee over the tasks they were meant to do that day.
The other staff member pushed and shoved the defendant, and Pacheco used the wooden handle of a metal garden hoe to attack the man.
The victim was left with three bruises and some reddening. The court was shown pictures of his injuries.
Advocate James Bell, defending, said that after the incident the men shook hands and “Mr Pacheco thought that would be the end of the matter”.
Advocate Bell asked that the court only impose a financial penalty against his client.
He said: “He does very much regret his actions.
“Mr Pacheco is apologetic.
“This was a spur-of-the-moment response and he accepts his reaction to hit a man on the back of the legs with this handle was completely unjustified.”
Relief Magistrate Peter Harris, presiding, told Pacheco that grave and criminal assault was a “serious charge”.
“You had a disagreement in part over a misunderstanding at work.
“He shoved you first but your reaction was what put you in court.”
He added: “Your employer has said you are a valued member of staff and he wants to keep you, which is good.
“But he doesn’t want any of this.”
Pacheco was asked to pay a £600 fine and £200 in compensation.
