A MONMOUTH man assaulted a man and his girlfriend after becoming angry over a bill, Abergavenny Magistrates heard last week.
James Laidler, who is aged 31, of York Close, admitted assaulting Stephen Roy Davies, causing him actual bodily harm, and unlawfully assaulting or beating Alison Sarah Butcher.
He was ordered to carry out 40 hours of community service and to pay £75 compensation to Mr Davies.
Prosecuting, Ms Jean Munton told the court that the complainant, Mr Davies, had carried out work at the defendant's premises and went to speak to him about the bill, which was around £300.
Mr Laidler was unhappy about it so Mr Davies went away and returned with his girlfriend several days later with an itemised bill. "He handed the bill to Mr Laidler who said he wasn't going to pay," said Ms Munton.
Mr Laidler became aggressive and Mr Davies tried, without success, to calm him down. Then Miss Butcher became involved in the argument.
At that point Mr Laidler reached over the counter and took hold of Mr Davies' right arm, pulling him towards him. He punched him on the left side of his face with a clenched fist, and then a second time on the forehead. Mr Davies managed to pull away and fell to the floor where there were further punches and kicks from the defendant.
The incident involving Miss Butcher was part of the scuffle and was only a very slight assault, said Ms Munton.
Mr Davies eventually got to his feet. He and Miss Butcher left the premises and reported the matter to the police.
The defendant was arrested and at first claimed that he was the person who had been assaulted. However, a CCTV video at the premises showed it was the other way round, with Mr Laidler attacking Mr Davies and Miss Butcher, said Ms Munton.
Mr Laidler described the incident as a moment of sheer madness, adding that he was incredibly sorry for the assaults. It was uncharacteristic but he had been under considerable pressure from his business.