Man was punched during a family row

A MAN was punched by his mother’s partner during a family row that was sparked off by a text message, magistrates were told.

Derek Egan, 54, admitted charges of assault and causing criminal damage to a top being worn by his victim during the fracas.

Prosecuting at Ely courthouse, Laura Mardell said Matthew Crick did not get on well with Egan, who was in a relationship with his mother.

Smelling of alcohol, Egan went to Mr Crick’s home on January 2, grabbed his hooded top and punched him several times in the face.

Egan was pushed out of the door and the police were called. Mr Crick suffered from scratches to his neck, and a sore back.

Mitigating, Michael Whatley said Mr Crick had not approved of Mr Egan, “and made his opinion very clear.”

Before the incident, Egan had received a text message accusing him of “worming his way” into the family.

Mr Whatley added: “He accepts that blows were exchanged and he was the instigator; he has mental health issues.”

The court adjourned sentencing until a hearing on April 18 before Cambridge magistrates.