A “VIOLENT bully” has been found guilty of forcing a man to hand over his wages for seven months by a jury in Oxford Crown Court.

Michael Thompson, of Bartlett Close, Witney, was yesterday convicted of extorting money from William Wall, even making him set up a bank overdraft when he could not pay.

John Law, prosecuting, said the 27-year-old used violence and threats to repeatedly make his victim hand over money – eventually punching, throttling and biting him in a bid to get £5,000.

He said this alleged assault was the “high point” of the campaign by the “violent bully” and took place on July 1 this year.

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Thompson has now been convicted of two counts of blackmail, one count of causing actual bodily harm and one count of false imprisonment.

He showed no emotion as the verdicts were delivered.

Yesterday, Recorder Andrew Burrows said he wanted the Probation Service to carry out a report to consider whether Thompson was dangerous and should be given an extended sentence.

Iain Starkings, 33, of Wychwood Close, Witney, was found not guilty yesterday of false imprisonment.

Thompson was remanded in custody and will now be sentenced on January 30 next year.

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