A WINCHESTER man broke his friend’s collarbone in what a judge described as a “wrestling match” over unpaid money for a holiday.

In a drink-fuelled state Charles Meeres went to Christopher Colley’s home on August 17, last year, when an argument broke out between the friends.

The victim asked Meeres to leave his house, when it was alleged that Mr Colley kicked the 56-year-old’s dog, Winchester Crown Court heard today (Thursday).

Judge Andrew Barnett said there was a “very unpleasant” scene outside the home, adding: “effectively what I describe as a wrestling match”.

The court was that during the incident Mr Colley put his arms around his attacker, before Meeres fell on him causing a broken collarbone and fractured rib.

In mitigation, Andrienne Knight said her client’s mother had written a letter to the court.

She continued: “She is relatively fit, but she definitely needs help. His elderly mother had a fall last year which means that Mr Meeres has not been able to work.

“Because of his arthritis it has got more and more difficult [to find work]. He is trying to branch out to make travel cases for musical instruments.”

Ms Knight said the business has not taken off, which has left Meeres, of Harrow Down, Badger Farm, with no money, adding that “he has been very worried about this incident”.

Judge Barnett was told that before the incident Mr Colley and Meeres had a “great friendship”.

The issue of the monies owed by Meeres to Mr Colley is understood to now being going through the civil court.

In sentencing, Judge Barnett said that the incident had “shaken” the victim and that the injuries he suffered were “rather nasty”.

Meeres pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent at an earlier hearing.

He was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for one year. He must also complete 20 rehabilitation days and 60 hours unpaid work.

Judge Barnett added: “You have your mother to look after and I hope you realise the foolishness of this criminality.

“If you are foolish enough to commit any offences in that year, if you do that you will breach the order, you will go to prison for the six months and anything on top.

“I hope that this court and no other court sees you again.”