A MAN who was involved in a bare-chested brawl outside a Worcester riverside cafe has been given a community order in a bid to curb his alcohol problems.

Michael Dutfield, of Arboretum Road, Worcester, was seen on CCTV fighting with another man outside Cafe Loco, Grandstand Road, on Wednesday, June 3.

Worcester Magistrates Court was shown footage of the fight, which took place in the middle of the afternoon on a very hot summer’s day.

Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting, said: “There are members of the public walking past minding their own business on a nice hot day when they see all of this occurring.”

Dutfield, aged 35, was assaulted by the other man and the court accepted he had initially acted in self-defence. However, Dutfield then ran at his attacker and threw punches in what Miss Hewitt said was out of “retribution rather than self-defence”. Police were called to the incident but both men had left the scene by the time they arrived. Dutfield was arrested at around 5pm when he was seen by officers walking along Barbourne Road. He was heavily intoxicated and had marks on his face. When interviewed by police, Dutfield fully admitted being involved in the fight and later admitted a charge of causing fear of unlawful violence when he appeared in court.

Mark Sheward, defending, said his client has problems with alcohol and only commits offences when drunk.

Mr Sheward added: “My client was attacked first. He was initially acting in self-defence. Then he went towards the other man and sought retribution. If you can stop this man from drinking then I suggest you will stop him offending.”

Dutfield was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 12 months’ supervision. He must also complete an alcohol treatment programme and was ordered to pay £100 in court costs.