COLNE: Jealous dad armed himself with rounders bat in love rival fracas

Father-of-three William Green had got in trouble in December, 2009, when he confronted a man in a relationship with his recent ex-girlfriend.

In the fracas that followed, Green threw a bat at the man, but missed.

He was now back with the woman said to have sparked the incident, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The defendant (26), of Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, had admitted affray.

Green, a HGV driver said to work 70 hours a week, was given a three-year conditional discharge so he can prove he can keep his nose clean.

Green, whose youngest child is two weeks old, was told by a judge the incident was “terrifying” and was against a background of jealousy.

Recorder Philip Curran continued: “I am going to give you a chance. You have been out of trouble now for a year. I am going to test you.” Green must pay £250 costs.

Mr Stephen Parker (prosecuting) said Shane Baines was then in a relationship with the defendant’s ex-girlfriend. His mother received a text saying: “Billy and some of his friends are on the way to your house to kick off.”

The Baines family went outside and the defendant, in a car, said: “You are going to get it.” The car drove off and less than a minute later it was back. The defendant and another man got out. Green was armed with a bat. A verbal exchange took place.

Mr Parker said 10 minutes later, the vehicle returned, with four men in it. A piece of concrete was thrown at the Baines family and Green hurled a bat at Shane Baines, but missed.

Police were called, Green was arrested and claimed he was not the aggressor.

Mr Martin Hackett, for Green, said: “He is still with the partner who was perhaps the root of these difficulties.”