Man attacked love rival with belt after drinking session

Mark Coley, of Westbourne Road, Halesowen, was told he must take part in an alcohol awareness course as part of the terms of the order when he appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court this week.

Mr David Lees, prosecuting, said victim Bradley Manning had been in a relationship with Coley's ex-girlfriend for around 18 months, leading to considerable ill feeling on Coley's part.

He said that on May 5 Mr Manning was driving along Dudley Road in Rowley Regis. When he passed The Cock Inn, he became aware of Coley emerging from an alleyway.

"He stepped out in front of Mr Manning's vehicle, Mr Manning describes the defendant as having no concern for his safety," said Mr Lees.

"Mr Manning had to brake hard to avoid a collision, and swerve around the defendant.

"He saw that the defendant had something in his hand which he swung towards Mr Manning's car. He heard a bang as it struck his car, and Mr Manning stepped out of his car to see what was going on.

"The defendant came running towards Mr Manning, swinging what turned out to be a belt with a large metal buckle at Mr Manning."

The belt struck Mr Manning on the right cheek, said Mr Lees, and Coley then started punching Mr Manning in the face. Two bystanders broke the men up, and Mr Manning was left with a half-inch cut to his face.

Under questioning by police, Coley said he had been drinking heavily that day.

"He had been drinking cans of cider and accepted he had taken cocaine," said Mr Lees.

The court was told that Coley, 26, had been given a community order after being convicted of criminal damage and battery in August last year.

Mr Malcolm Fowler, for Coley, said his client recognised that he needed to address his drinking.

"He is very much supported by his mother," he said.