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Fun day marred by violence
A community fun day was spoilt after an irate resident attacked a guitarist – for disturbing him while watching the Grand Prix on the TV.
Hundreds of people had gathered in Horden Welfare Park to enjoy local bands.
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But the music was not to the taste of Kevin Leslie Mills, of Durham Avenue, who was trying to watch the Formula One race at his nearby home.
Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that Mills became angry about the noise and headed over to the park.
Debra Jones, prosecuting, said Mills got on to the stage where he approached guitarist Martin Fraser and said "get off – nobody wants to hear you".
Justices heard that Mr Fraser, 20, who was playing with band Underwings, asked Mills who he was, which infuriated the defendant.
Mrs Jones said: "Mr Fraser felt a heavy strike on the back of his head and tumbled forward to the ground.
"He tried to protect his guitar but struck his head on the back of the amplifier.
"A number of people from the audience get on to the bandstand and pulled the defendant away."
Mr Fraser, from Wheatley Hill, suffered a bump to the back of his head and a graze on his knee.
The student at Northumbria University said he was shocked when he saw Mills getting up on stage."I was just playing the set with the band when out of nowhere some bloke just stepped up," said Mr Fraser, who works part-time at Asda, in Peterlee.
"I was angry at first but then I thought what is the point. The best thing was just to ring the police."There were kids there and they did not need to see that.
"The day had been organised by Horden Parish Council and saw more than 100 villagers of all ages enjoying the entertainment.Jaxon Taylor, mitigating, said Mills was drinking heavily at the time and had a borderline personality disorder.
"He was enjoying some peace and quiet at his home address when without warning, musicians started up and there has been some considerable noise," said Mr Taylor.
"It has got to him for 30 minutes until he has lost his temper and gone out to confront those concerned.
"This particular event and the shock to his system has led him to re-evaluate what he should be doing with his life and has led him to abstain from alcohol.
"Mills, 38, pleaded guilty to the assault on August 5.Magistrates fined Mills 100 and ordered him to pay 50 compensation and 43 costs.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
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