A businessman owner of an airport engaged in a heated altercation with a parish councilor, resulting in physical aggression and the pulling of hair. The incident occurred during a dispute over birds' nests.
The mobile phone video of the incident in the North Yorkshire village of Church Fenton was presented to Harrogate Magistrates Court.
Businessman Attacked Council Man Over Bird's Nest
According to The Sun, the incident involved council chair Andrew Mason, 63, and Leeds Airport owner and businessman Chris Makin, 65.
During his walk to the village shop in Church Fenton, North Yorkshire on April 4, Mason noticed Makin and a group of contractors working on trees near Leeds East Airport, as revealed in the Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Mason expressed his concern about the presence of birds nesting in the trees and informed Makin that he did not have permission to cut down the trees or block the road.
The councilor expressed his opposition to the illegal tree felling by positioning himself in front of the cherry-picker. During the incident, Makin forcefully attacked Mason, and pulled him across the road by his hair and belt.
Makin proceeded to put Mason in a headlock, resulting in the breaking of his glasses and the tearing of his clothes, as stated in court.
Mason, who stated that he and Makin had only a casual acquaintance before the incident, mentioned that he experienced muscle damage as well. The workmen had no part in the aggressive confrontation.
Mason expressed his concerns to the court, describing the situation as "out of control". He emphasized the deep injustice that occurred in a village he holds dear.
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Leeds Airport Owner Convicted of Assault
Makin, from Micklefield in North Yorkshire, was convicted of assault by beating in a previous trial.
According to chair of the bench Phil Morris, the incident was described as an assault of a "persistent and prolonged nature" and resulted in a fine of £4,800 ($5,983.54).
According to his statement, this amounted to 250 percent of his weekly earnings.
Makin was also required to pay a £1,920 ($2,392.41) surcharge, £775 ($965.68) in costs, and £684 ($852.29) in compensation to Mason, according to Daily Mail.
Richard Wright KC, the defense attorney, emphasized that his client had gained valuable insights from the experience and highlighted his significant economic impact on the UK.
Wright said Makin is known for efficiently completing tasks that serve the public's interest.
"He was determined to complete the task, but unfortunately, his approach was misguided," he added.
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