Man violently assaulted in a Newbury bakers

A MAN was violently assaulted in a Newbury bakers in front of frightened staff and customers, after making threats to stab his assailant, a court heard.

Laurie Marckes, aged 21, of Shepherds Hill pleaded guilty to assault after confronting Ben Thompson, also 21, in Greggs, Northbrook Street on the morning of Thursday, July 16.

Newbury Magistrates Court heard the pair had history after Mr Thompson’s older brother had “chatted up” the girlfriend of Marckes’ best friend.

After both Mr Marckes and Mr Thompson had become involved, Mr Thompson threatened to stab Mr Marckes during a phone call.

Prosecuting, Helen Waite told the court how Mr Marckes had been in town to get some food and saw Mr Thompson in Greggs who, a few days earlier, had threatened to stab him.

After asking, “Do you want to stab me?” Mr Marckes pushed the victim in the stomach in front of frightened staff and customers.

Ms Waite added: “He said he was angry and realises that his actions may have frightened other customers in the shop. He didn’t set out to hurt Mr Thompson but wanted to confront him about the stabbing comment.”

Mr Marckes was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to a pay victim surcharge of £15, a criminal court charge of £150 and £40 costs.