A man was left unconscious in a pool of blood after New Year celebrations at a caravan park descended into violence. 

Shane Stevens, 52, repeatedly punched another resident during a violent dispute causing him to fall from a balcony.

Frank Trott was knocked out and was hospitalised with head injuries after the incident at Belle Aire Holiday Park at Hemby in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2020.

Another park resident Lucy Osbourne, who was trying to help Mr Trott before paramedics arrived, was also threatened and grabbed by the throat. 

Stevens, of High Street in Stetchworth, near Bury St Edmunds, was found guilty of causing actual bodily harm, assault and criminal damage following a trial in his absence at Norwich Magistrates Court. 

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Paul Roach, prosecuting, had launched the attack in a confrontation over previous disputes between Stevens and other residents including one over the closing of a caravan window to prevent burglars.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: New Year celebrations at Belle Park Holiday Park in Hemsby descended into violence New Year celebrations at Belle Park Holiday Park in Hemsby descended into violence (Image: Newsquest)

Giving evidence Mr Trott said he had been punched to the head before falling when a veranda gave way causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete below.  

Ms Osbourne told magistrates he had been “ranting, raving and swearing” when he confronted her as he attempted to put unconscious Mr Trott in the recovery position.  

“He put his hands around my throat and pushed me,” she said. “He was really aggressive and angry the whole time.”

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Stevens had shown no remorse after telling police he had been acting in self-defence and claiming Mr Trott had exaggerated his injuries, the court heard.

Finding him guilty magistrates said they had found the witnesses “very credible” and that his actions did not amount to self-defence. 

They had earlier denied a defence application for the trial to be adjourned saying medical evidence for his absence was not compelling.  

Stevens will be sentenced at King’s Lynn Magistrates Court on October 4.