A RESTAURANT owner from Leominster was beaten by a rival after months of rising tensions, a court was told.

Ahmet Ekin and his nephew, Fikret Temel, left a competitor with a broken nose and bruising after meeting in Corn Square on February 6 last year.

Ekin, aged 46, and Temel, 25, of Broad Street, were given a suspended sentence at Hereford Crown Court.

The court heard that Ekin, of Welshpool, wanted to open a takeaway in Leominster and was keen on a premises owned by the would-be victim. He was put off and opened a restaurant nearby and their relationship worsened throughout 2008.

Jason Aris, prosecuting, said the victim did not want to fight but was involved in a scuffle outside the former post office. Ekin then called on Temel for support and the victim was headbutted and punched by the pair in a nearby beating, which was caught on CCTV.

“There’s clearly a scene where Temel punches the complainant and goes on to headbutt him,” said Mr Aris.

“There’s also another where both defendants are punching him and he was also punched in the face while on the floor.”

Mr Aris said the victim suffered a broken nose and bruising and had become fearful of going into Leominster at night.

Lynette McClement, for Ekin, said his client was a placid man who had shown remorse for his actions. She added that Ekin had deeply regretted getting his nephew involved, but didn’t ask Temel to beat someone up.

Andrew Davidson said Temel was slightly naive and called the incident out of character. He added that Temel caused most of the injuries, but was a hardworking man with no previous convictions.

Judge Richard Rundell handed the pair a 26-week suspended sentence for two years and ordered them to pay £500 compensation.

Ekin also received a twoyear supervision requirement, while Temel must undergo 250 hours unpaid work.