Red Mist Descended After Man Bought �800 Engagement Ring and Then Discovered He Was Dumped

AFTER spending �800 on an engagement ring for Vicky South, a "red mist" descended on furious Kevin Scarff when he discovered she had dumped him for a new boyfriend.

So without uttering a single word, Scarff lashed out at Michael Smith, punching him and knocking him to the floor.

"He then punched and kicked his victim on the floor," prosecutor Laura Mardell told Ely magistrates.

"Scarff knelt on his victim, causing bruising to his ribs, he then started laying into him," she said.

Mr Smith tried to cover his head with his hands during the attack, and managed to get to his feet when Scarff was pulled away.

Mr Smith suffered bruising to his ribs, shoulder and thigh, along with a slightly swollen face.

Vicky South and Scarff had two children together, but she had started a new relationship with Mr Smith, explained Miss Mardell.

"The couple returned to Miss South's property and found Scarff in her house, he still had the keys," she said.

"Scarff said he wanted to speak to Miss South, and when he saw Mr Smith he turned his attention to him.

"Without provocation, and with no words uttered, he punched him in the face below the right eye."

Solicitor Nick Banes said Scarff and Miss South's relationship had been going well, and he had spent �800 on an engagement ring.

"He had no idea this lady had entered into a relationship with another man," said Mr Barnes.

"They had children together, and he wished to commit to marriage. He became extremely angry, a red mist came over him and he lashed out. He punched his victim four times, but does not accept there was any kicking. Clearly his actions were unacceptable."

Ordering Scarff to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, presiding magistrate Sue Griffin told him: "You completely lost control and completely lost your temper, that is not acceptable, however you felt."

Scarff was ordered to pay �75 compensation and �85 court costs.