A FATHER-of-one kicked an asthmatic man into a fence after believing he had stolen a watch which belonged to his dead brother, a court heard.

Worcester magistrates heard how 27-year-old Nicholas Stevens , of High Street, Pershore, "lost the plot" after seeing Matthew Schramm.

Stevens, who helped set up a kick-boxing class for children, admitted assault by beating when he appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

Neil Campbell, prosecuting said the incident happened at about 8pm on June 28 this year when Stevens spotted Mr Schramm walking along Cherry Orchard Drive in Pershore.

He said Stevens believed Mr Schramm had burgled his friend's house, where Stevens was staying at the time, and stole several items belonging to him.

"Mr Schramm saw him come on to the footpath and charge towards him with his teeth gritted and fists clenched," he said.

Mr Campbell said Stevens punched Mr Schramm to the floor and started standing on his head and kicking him in the back.

Mr Schramm rolled into a ball and covered his face with his arms but was hit another five times in the head and back.

He added that Mr Schramm felt an asthma attack coming on and he ran into the back garden of a property.

"Stevens charged at him again with his feet in mid-air, knocking him into a fence, which collapsed," he said.

"He started stamping on and kicking him and Mr Schramm was screaming for help."

Mr Campbell said Stevens left when the owner of the property confronted him.

Susie Duncan, defending, said in mitigation that Stevens acknowledged it was a "nasty assault" but that he had reacted in such a way because he believed Mr Schramm was responsible for a burglary at his friend's house.

The court heard how a watch belonging to his brother, who died in a car accident at the age of 18, had been taken.

"The watch was given to him by his mother at his brother's funeral and that item was treasured by him - it didn't concern him about the other items that were stolen," she said.

"It came to a head on that day when he says he lost the plot and foolishly took the law into his own hands."

Stevens was given a three-year community rehabilitation order and 100 hours' community punishment. He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr Schramm and court costs of £55.