15 April 2023 , 16:55
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A man floored a neighbour with one punch as he reacted angrily to his dog entering his garden and killing his pet rabbit.
Scott Pollin, 25, flew into a rage after the dog came onto his property and went for the rabbit that died instantly in the attack, a court heard.
The defendant then lashed out and punched the dog's owner, causing him to fall to the ground and lie motionless on the floor, prosecutors said.
At this point, realising he'd injured the neighbour, Pollin stayed at the scene and tried to assist him before paramedics arrived, reported ChronicleLive.
The man was taken to hospital where it was discovered he'd suffered cuts to his head, lip and mouth.
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Pollin was fined over the attack on his neighbour (Newcastle Chronicle)Pollin, of Cedar Grove, in Alnwick, has now been fined £400 after he appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
Rehana Haque, prosecuting, said the victim's dog escaped out his backdoor on August 24, 2021, and went into Pollin's garden, where his pet rabbit was sitting. Sadly, the dog killed the animal, which prompted Pollin to punch the victim once to the face, sending him flying to the ground.
Ms Haque added: "You can see on CCTV footage that he [the victim] is not moving. A female tells the defendant to check on him and the defendant attempts to help him up but the victim is unable to stand up and is possibly unconscious."
The court heard that the victim was taken to hospital and received treatment for a number of cuts to his head, mouth and lips. Pollin, who has seven offences on his record, was arrested and told police he regretted lashing out.
Stewart Hay, defending, said 18 months had passed since the incident and there had been no further trouble between the two men.
He pointed at that Pollin was "emotional" over what had happened to his pet and that he did go to help his neighbour.
Mr Hay stated: "The victim's dog had killed Mr Pollin's pet rabbit, so it's not surprising he was emotional. He does go to the victim's assistance."