Man brandished piece of wood and punched a victim in front of children

Andrew Powell admitted affray when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (October 6). 

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, said Powell committed the offence in Rainbow Hill, Worcester, at 7pm on July 20 this year. 

COURT: Andrew Powell leaving Worcester Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam Greenway/Newsquest (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"Two men were fighting in a busy residential street in view of children and adults - some of whom intervened," Miss Peart said. 

The prosecutor said there had been "ongoing incidents" between the two men, Powell and Mr Nicholls, including threats being made. 

"CCTV captures the incident," Miss Peart said. 

"It occurred in Birch Avenue, where Powell lives.

"He leaves his address with a piece of wood with nails in it, brandishing it in the direction of Mr Nicholls."

The prosecutor said Powell had gone into his house, before returning and pointing the wood at Mr Nicholls. 

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She said three women held the 49-year-old back, before objects were thrown. 

Miss Peart said Mr Nicholls had then launched himself at Powell, and both were throwing punches at each other.

"They are pulled over different sides of the fence," Miss Peart said. 

"Powell throws a rock or brick towards a van parked in the street."

The prosecutor added Powell had previous convictions for public orders offences and violent matters including battery in 2016.

Sam Lamsdale, defending, said: "He deeply regrets the incident.

"There had been ongoing issues, things had been said between the parties. 

"On this day things boiled over."

Mrs Lamsdale said Powell accepted he had the wood in his hand, but said he didn't accept it had nails in it explaining it had come from a broken fence. 

She said he also didn't believe he had thrown a brick.

"He came out and threw a cake, or a roll," the solicitor said. 

Mrs Lamsdale added there had been no further incidents between the pair since July. 
COURT: Andrew Powell appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Chairman of the magistrates bench, Philip Newton, told Powell they were adjourning the case for the probation service to carry out a pre-sentence report. 

"We need to know more about you," the chairman said.

Mr Newton said it should be "all options" report meaning sending Powell to prison could be considered. 

The chairman added the CCTV may need to be shown to magistrates when they sentence him.

Powell, who was given unconditional bail, was told to return to the court for sentencing on October 31.