HOT-HEADED Timothy Richardson will be electronically tagged for four months, after hitting a man with a spade.Richardson, 20, of Market Hill, Orford, Suffolk pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating and another of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

HOT-HEADED Timothy Richardson will be electronically tagged for four months, after hitting a man with a spade.

Richardson, 20, of Market Hill, Orford, Suffolk pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating and another of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

South East Suffolk Magistrates heard that at 11pm on May 13 a man was riding a motorcycle near the home of Jacek Bielecki. He thought Richardson was the man responsible, and went to his house to confront him.

Richardson's door was not locked so Mr Bielecki shouted to get someone's attention. Richardson then became "aggressive and abusive" before threatening him with a black-handled knife.

The court heard how Richardson had grabbed a spade and swung it at Mr Bielecki, causing the victim's arm to become bruised and swollen.

However, that was not the end of the issue as Richardson later stood near Mr Bielecki's house swearing and shouting while holding an axe.

Another argument started and Richardson took off his belt and wrapped it around his wrist. He then assaulted the victim for a second time causing Mr Bielecki to suffer a cut to his face.

The next day Richardson tried to provoke Mr Bielecki by riding his vehicle outside his property.

Godfried Duah, prosecuting, said: "Mr Richardson is charged just with possession of the spade but there were other weapons used and it was not a single attack with the spade.

"Another aggravating feature is that having committed all these offence he returned to the address trying to provoke another incident."

Neil Saunders, mitigating, believes Richardson has got a bad reputation and is accused of things he did not do. Mr Saunders said: "This incident was sparked off by someone riding a motorcycle, but it was not Tim.

"He is well known and has been in trouble but if anything goes on in Orford then he is usually blamed. They had both had a bit of a drink and to say it was unprovoked was not right. Mr Bielecki went to his house and burst in shouting at Tim.

"Tim then goes back to remonstrate further and it starts again. He should not have done that but it could have been dealt with in another way."

Richardson was sentenced to a four-month curfew meaning he will have to stay indoors from 7pm to 6am every day until November 15.

He also was ordered to pay £50 costs and participate in an anger replacement scheme.