THE manager of a Worcester off-licence suffered a fractured jaw in a dispute over a bounced cheque.

Yousal Shakoor was sitting on the steps of The Boozer in The Tything when brothers Dean and George Stevens drove past.

The pair claimed Mr Shakoor beckoned to them and they stopped the car and walked towards him.

Dean Stevens landed a single punch causing the broken jaw while his brother provided back-up and encouraged the violence, said prosecutor Guy Spollon.

Judge Michael Mott warned that a custodial sentence had been "a close-run thing" but he decided to impose a more lenient penalty.

Dean Stevens, aged 24, of Lansdowne Crescent, Worcester, pleaded guilty to wounding. He was ordered to carry out 240 hours community work and pay £350 court costs.

George Stevens, aged 19, of Despencer Road, Tewkesbury, admitted affray. He was given 120 hours work and told to pay £250 costs.

The judge said the true details of the background to the case were unclear. Dean Stevens had not intended serious harm and had been under great stress waiting for sentence.

The attack took place on July 10, last year, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Dean Stevens believed the victim was holding a bottle in a threatening way before he lashed out, said his counsel Phil Bradley.

Mr Shakoor had originally alleged racial abuse but later withdrew the claim. He also conceded that no weapon was used as he at first suggested.

Mr Bradley said the defendant left university with a good degree but needed medication for acute depression since the incident.

Lee Marklew, for George Stevens, insisted that a cheque from Mr Shakoor bounced before his client went into the shop and bought goods with a cheque which also bounced.

"It was his dispute with the complainant which led to his brother's loss of temper," said Mr Marklew. "He is an intelligent man who feels responsible. By getting out of the car he made matters worse."

George Stevens had a police caution for assault in 1998. His brother was of previous good character.