Jilted man's revenge

Bates attempted suicide after girlfriend Victoria Mills left him for Martin Williams.

The 20-year-old nursing home employee and accomplice Stuart Mills - Victoria's brother - then went round to Mr Williams flat in School Court, Hampton, Evesham, and forced their way in when he came to the door.

The victim was attacked with pool cue although the gun was not used in the beating, said Tariq Shakoor, prosecuting.

Mr Williams suffered scalp cuts, one needing six stitches. He also sustained facial cuts, a gash on his back and extensive bruising.

Bates, of Banners Lane, Redditch, and 19-year-old Mills, of Pine Tree Close, Redditch, were both sentenced to nine months' detention. They admitted wounding.

Worcester Crown Court heard that Miss Mills, the mother of Bates' child, began a romance with Mr Williams and stayed at his flat during weekends.

Two months before the violence, Bates called at the flat and offered to fight his rival. But Mr Williams refused.

On January 3 this year, Mr Williams returned home just before midnight after finishing work. He received two silent calls on his mobile phone before hearing a noise at the door.

When he opened it, the attackers rushed in, Bates armed with an imitation handgun.

He later warned Mr Williams to stay away from Miss Mills or he would be given another beating.

Police who arrested Bates in the early hours seized bloodstained clothing from his home and car.

Defence barrister Antonie Muller said the pair never intended the violence. Both were of good character and had indulged in "hot-headed action" rather than in a cold-blooded crime.

They naively thought they could get someone they saw as undesirable out of Miss Mills' life.

Mr Muller said Bates had been so devastated by the break-up of his relationship he had attempted suicide.

Judge David McEvoy QC told Bates he had acted out of jealousy and Mills, a trainee carpenter, had gone along to support him.