Alfreton takeaway driver attacked colleague over working hours

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, January 26, how Craig Marshall, 46, of Elmtree Avenue, Shirland, Alfreton, drove up to Philip Pryor in his car, got out and punched him.

Prosecuting solicitor Rod Chapman said: “The complainant worked with Mr Marshall as a delivery driver for a Chinese takeaway in Alfreton however the owner had given Mr Pryor additional shifts and reduced the work offered to Marshall.

“On the day in question, Mr Pryor was walking along Park Street, Alfreton, when Marshall arrived in a car and there was some suggestion Mr Pryor had to jump out of the way.

“Marshall stopped, pointed and shouted at Mr Pryor and accused him of taking his job before punching him in the mouth and driving off towards Alfred Street.”

The court heard how Mr Pryor was shocked, suffered a bleeding lip needing three stitches and was unable to work that evening.

Marshall pleaded guilty to assault by beating after the incident on September 10, last year.

Defence solicitor Annette Thomas explained Marshall suffers with depression and health issues and he had lost his temper during the incident which had not been a premeditated attack.

She added: “A number of factors accumulated and led to him losing his temper. He accepts it was stupid and it should never have happened.”

Magistrates fined Marshall £80 and ordered him to pay £85 costs, a £20 victim surcharge and £155 compensation.