A FATHER who broke a bone in a man's elbow in a street confrontation has been told to pay £500 compensation and control his temper.

Simon Martin Shanks, 25, reacted violently when a thrown bag accidentally landed at the feet of his six-year-old son, Nicholas Barker, prosecuting, told York Crown Court. He hurled Paul Young against a car when the other man crossed the road to apologise and punched him three times. The attack fractured a radial bone at Mr Young's elbow and bruised and scratched his face.

Shanks, of Friendship Court, Selby, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and was put on probation for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation.

Judge Jim Spencer QC, referring to Shanks's previous convictions for violence, one of which had put him behind bars, said he appeared to have had difficulty controlling his temper while growing up and that he needed a refresher course in anger management. The court heard he had previously had such a course.

For Shanks, James Gould said he was a well-valued employee and handed in a reference from his boss.

The court heard that Shanks told police the bag which Mr Young threw to his girlfriend across the street had hit his son's face.

Updated: 11:10 Saturday, May 17, 2003