A 57-year-old Kidderminster man has been given a six-month jail sentence suspended for two years for hitting three children.

Judge Michael Mott said at Worcester Crown Court that illness suffered by Peter Van-Dalton had turned him into "a bad-tempered old man".

Van-Dalton, formerly of Wilton Avenue, Franche, and now living in Bristol, who admitted six charges of common assault, was ordered to pay £150 costs.

Mr David Iles, prosecuting, said two boys and a girl aged between eight and 16 were either kicked, hit or grabbed round the throat. Judge Mott said the abuse had gone beyond the odd kick or slap.

Mr Simon Rippon, defending, said Van-Dalton had suffered a series of strokes 20 years ago and this had caused depression and his loss of good character.