A 17-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed he was acting in self-defence when he smashed a bottle of beer over Clive Newell's head in North Street outside his business, The Old Tea Shoppe.

Mr Newell was left bleeding on the ground after the attack at around 9.30pm on April 13 this year. He suffered a cut lip, bruised and swollen head and had three cuts above his eyebrow.

Shortly before the attack, the teen had joined a group of friends by The Old Tea Shoppe.

While Mr Newell was having a meal with his wife, a football was kicked against his window by one of the youths and he went outside to confront them.

He gave their ball back and returned to the shop, but the teen and his friends showed their backsides to Mr Newell and made rude finger gestures towards him.

It was said Mr Newell then 'marched' out of his shop to tell the youths to clear off 'in no uncertain terms', when he was hit by a teenager. Mr Newell fell to the ground and his face was bleeding. He tried to follow his attacker but gave up and retreated to his shop.

ITN television presenter Claire Bidmead was 15 metres away from the attack when it happened.

She told Chichester Magistrates' Court on September 9: "The youth's arm was raised and there was something in it. I only realised he had a bottle when it smashed. The teashop man didn't have anything raised."

Chairman of the magistrates bench, Richard Etherington, said although Mr Newell was angry, it did not justify the teen's actions.

The teenager from Midhurst will appear again at the magistrates' court to be sentenced on October 7. He was released on unconditional bail.


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