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An out-of-control businessman attacked a parish council chair over a bird nest dispute. The parish councilor said that he feared for his life after the attack dragged him by his hair.

Businessman Attacks Parish Councilor Over Bird Nest Dispute

Independent UK reported that the incident, which took place in the North Yorkshire village of Church Fenton, was caught on video using a mobile phone and later shown to magistrates.

The businessman was identified as 65-year-old Chris Makin. The one he attacked is a 63-year-old resident and parish councilor named Andrew Mason, as reported by Express UK.

Prosecutor Michael Smith said that the incident started when they shared their concerns about the birds, which could be put in danger because of the activities of Makin's contractors.

Smith added that the businessman also didn't have permission to close the road or remove bird nests. During the confrontation, Makin attacked Mason.

He poked him in the face, which knocked off his glasses. After that, he scooped the parish councilor's hair into his hands and tried pulling him across the road by the hair.

Out-Of-Control Businessman Faces Thousand-Dollar Fine

Phil Morris, the chair of the bench, ruled the incident as an assault of a "persistent and prolonged nature." Because of this, the businessman was fined over $5,990 (£4,800).

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of more than $2,300, which includes $854 compensation to the parish councilor and $968 in costs.

The incident greatly affected Andrew Mason, who said that having been a parish councilor for 15 years, he believed in society and civil order. However, what happened to him broke down this belief.

"And it broke down, I believe because there is a bully who was there who wanted to do what he wanted to do, regardless of anybody getting in his way and I think that's wrong," he added.

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