An 'addict' knocked his friend unconscious with a baseball in what prosecutors suggested was a dispute over £10.

Cliff Uddin Choudhury, aged 48 and whose address was given as East Street, Bridport, subjected Peter Longley to the attack on May 12 of this year.

Choudhury appeared before Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, December 7, where he pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).

The court heard Mr Longley had gone to sleep in his mother's car at Princess Road on the day of the offence - about an hour later a member of the public described hearing a 'melee' with Choudhury and Mr Longley stood by the car.

The witness reported seeing the victim 'fall to the floor unconscious' after being struck with the baseball bat.

Photos of Mr Longley's injuries were shown to the court in which the victim sustained significant swelling to his right ear and forehead.

Elizabeth Valera, prosecuting, said Mr Longley had told  the police he owed Choudhury £10 and that he could not remember anything from the incident except for waking up in hospital.

In police interview, Choudhury is said to have described Mr Longley as a friend.

He told police he did not know why he had the baseball bat and did not intend to use it.

Simon Lacey, mitigating, said the defendant accepted he was ‘an addict’. He said Choudhury had ‘become aware that £260 had been taken from his mother’s handbag and £40 from his brother’s wallet’. Choudhury felt Mr Longley was the ‘only person who could be responsible’ and wanted to talk to him.

Elizabeth Valera said the prosecution did not accept this version of events.

The court heard Choudhury had previous convictions for driving offences but this was the first time he had appeared before court in relation to a violent crime.

The case was adjourned until Friday, January 6 at Bournemouth Crown Court where Choudhury will be sentenced. A pre-sentence report will be prepared by probation.