A concrete block hurled through the glass door of a Maldon house landed on a man's foot breaking several toes, a court heard.

The man who threw the block, Trevor Cook, 37, of Coleridge Road, Maldon, was told prison was a possible sentence but instead Recorder Thomas Ashe Q.C. imposed a community penalty and ordered Cook to address his anti-social behaviour.

Cook was found guilty by a Chelmsford Crown Court jury earlier this month of assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Recorder Ashe imposed 80 hours community work and 18 months supervision and £300 compensation for the door.

The Recorder told Cook, "A custodial sentence would be justified but you need rehabilitation."

During the trial Craig Rush, prosecuting, said on June 30 Cook walked from a pub with his ex-girlfriend and his sister to an address in Fambridge Road, Maldon.

He wanted to get back with his ex-girlfriend Sally Jones. When they reached the address of her sister, Kim Clark, Cook rowed with her boyfriend John Deasy.

Cook was shut out of the house and threw a concrete block the glass in the front door, injuring Mr Deasy.

Cook admitted smashing the door to break up what he thought was a violent row inside.

Christopher Royle for Cook said he had an alcohol problem and would welcome help to combat it.

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002