A DRUG dealer who hit another man on the back of the head with a brick was yesterday jailed for four years.

Donovan Joseph, 43, admitted unlawfully wounding James Harding during an altercation in Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, on May 7 last year.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and crack cocaine, with intent to supply, and possessing a class A drug, as well as burglary with intent. Following a trial Joseph was convicted of handling stolen goods.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Simon Jones said violence had flared after energy advisor Mr Harding had verbally abused Joseph in the street.

He added: “Mr Harding had been told, by a female friend, that the defendant used to assault her. That is why Mr Harding got really angry and there was a confrontation.

“The defendant ran off, leaned over a wall and ran back with a brick in his hand which he threw, with full force, from about two metres.

“Mr Harding put his left arm up, causing a cut. When Mr Harding ran away the defendant chased him and threw another brick, hitting him on the back of the head.”

Mr Jones told the court how the head wound had required 15 stitches and Mr Harding had needed time off work to recover from his injuries.

Defending, Benjamin Jackson-Long said Joseph, formerly of Wootton Gardens, Bournemouth, had “used unreasonable force to defend himself”, adding: “He got armed for battle, in order to frighten. Clearly this went beyond the level of force needed.”

He described Joseph, who has 29 convictions for 52 offences, including 12 assaults, as “a very pleasant man and a pleasure to deal with”, adding: “Drugs are the issue.”

Sentencing Joseph, Judge John Harrow told him: “You over-reacted when the crisis was subsiding. You are no stranger to violence.” He stressed that he wanted the public to be aware that he was bound by sentencing guidelines.