A BUILDING site manager attacked a colleague after someone wrote offensive graffiti on his locker.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Andrew Derek Edge threw punches at Mark Tregurther before picking up a four foot piece of wood and hitting him with it.

The attack was stopped by other workers but Edge then resumed his onslaught and chased Mr Tregurther into a workshop where he hit him again.

Edge, 37, of Hollowhead Close, Wilpshire, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. He was ordered to do 60 hours community punishment and pay £150 compensation and £60 costs.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Mr Tregurther was hit twice with the wood, on the shoulder and on the back. He said the attack only ended when two men took hold of Edge and ejected him from the premises.

Clare Knight, defending, said Edge had found the offensive graffiti on his pigeon hole and it was directed at him. There had been a similar incident two years earlier which had gone on for a considerable period of time and he was concerned that it was going to start again.

"Someone indicated that the aggrieved was responsible and my client made it clear that if the graffiti was removed that would be the end of the matter," said Miss Knight. "That didn't happen and he went to have a word with Mr Tregurther. He says the other man was aggressive and his attitude annoyed my client.

Miss Knight said the wood was not heavy and the aggrieved was back at work the following day. "My client has left his position and starts a new job as a self-employed joiner on Monday," said Miss Knight.

By ANDREW BELLARD