A FORKLIFT truck driver who used “excessive self defence” to disarm a drunk man wielding a knife has avoided jail.

Andrew Greenhough, of Weyland Road, Oxford, admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Martin East on June 4 this year.

The 32-year-old struck Mr East on the side of the face with a piece of wooden fencing during an altercation near his home.

Tom Quinn, prosecuting at Oxford Crown Court, said his victim had been drinking heavily and was walking around hitting cars in Weyland Road when he got into an argument with Greenhough.

The dispute escalated and Mr East went to get a 12-inch serrated knife from his home.

Mr Quinn said this prompted Greenhough to pick up a piece of wood and return to try to disarm the other man. He hit Mr East, fracturing his jaw and cutting his face, although there were no lasting injuries.

Hugh Williams, defending, said: “He accepts that the response was disproportionate and the injuries he caused were serious.”

Greenhough received a 12-month community order and must attend an anger management course.