AN emotional farmer attacked his step-father-in-law the first time they met, a court has heard.

Philip John Jones, of Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, April 9.

Dennis Davies, prosecuting, said Gareth Evans, a retired Fishguard man was at home with his wife on February 12 when Jones knocked on his door.

“He saw a large male he did not recognise when he opened the door. The defendant started shouting and swearing, calling him a ‘rhacsyn’.

The shouting and swearing was followed by a ‘violent onslaught of punches’ and Mr Evans was pushed to the floor.

The victim was left with bruises and reddening, and Mrs Evans recognised Jones as her son-in-law when she came to the door.

When interviewed, Jones, 48, admitted calling Mr Evans a ‘rhacsyn’, grabbing him and hitting him once, because he laughed at him.

Jones said he was ‘quite emotional’ when he went to the address because of family issues. The court heard he had never met Mr Evans before.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said: “Mr Jones’ wife was very, very upset and Mr Jones was somewhat at the end of his tether in terms of protecting her. He decided to go down and speak with the in-laws.”

Mr Webb added: “He knocked on the door and said ‘stay out of my wife’s business, and Mr Evans smirked and laughed at him.

“The red mist came down. He apologises to the court, he knows he should not have done it.

“He is not the type of man who goes around thumping people.”

The bench was told that Mr Evans’ injuries were not consistent with numerous blows from the 6’5” farmer.

Mr Webb said: “One has to accept that in terms of dynamics the victim is smaller, older and less hardier than Mr Jones. There is certainly an inequality of arms, but it was not a sustained assault.”

“It was an instantaneous response to being smirked at.”

Magistrates fined Jones £948 and ordered him to pay £200 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.

A two-year restraining order was imposed prohibiting Jones from contacting Mr and Mrs Evans, or going within 100 metres of their home.