A CALDICOT man who had both legs broken during a botched theft, has seen his attacker avoid jail.

Kevin Green, 53, accused Abergavenny businessman Andrew Woodhouse of using excessive force upon confronting him as he stole fuel from the defendant's premises.

Mr Woodhouse, 44, appeared in court last week charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, but the jury found him not guilty after just 20 minutes consideration.

The owner of Abergavenny Tyres found Mr Green and son-in-law Tim Cross, 32, stealing diesel from his business on 26th March last year. Chasing them across surrounding fields, Mr Woodhouse eventually caught up with Mr Green, breaking both his legs and one arm with a stick. Mr Woodhouse went on to tackle Mr Cross and held on to the thieves until police arrived.

The businessman has suffered thefts of thousands of pounds worth of machinery in recent years.

Mr Green and Mr Cross both pleaded guilty to theft and were given a £75 fine at magistrates court.

Photos courtesy of Wales News Service.