A MAN who attacked his neighbour with a baseball bat after violence flared at a bed-sit block has been given a chance to change his criminal ways.

David Genner, 29, of Jewell Road, Townsend, admitted two counts of common assault in November.

Tim Dracass, prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, said there had been "some tension" between Genner and Andrew Cliffe.

"Matters came to a head on November 6 when Genner entered Mr Cliffe's room unannounced, carrying an object similar to a baseball bat.

"He then hit Mr Cliffe around the head and struck him on the arm. As Mr Cliffe attempted to block the blows to his body Genner was accusing him of throwing things at his window."

The court heard how Genner had also attacked one of Mr Cliffe's friends after he arrived at the address.

Mr Dracass said: "Genner was in possession of a Stanley knife and said: Do you want some as well?'"

Following a struggle, police and paramedics were called and Mr Cliffe was taken to hospital. His injuries included facial cuts and bruising.

In Genner's defence, the court heard that he had now kicked his drugs habit and had no intention of assaulting anyone, but accepted responsibility for his behaviour.

Sentencing Genner, Recorder Philippa Whipple said: "I did think about sending you to prison. The use of a weapon was totally unacceptable.

"Thank goodness the injuries were not more serious. You allowed tension to get out of hand."

Imposing an 18-month supervision order, with the requirement that Genner attends aggression replacement training, she added: "Treat this as a chance, make the best of it and stay out of trouble."