Guilty of kicking charge

A KEBAB shop owner pushed a debt collector and kicked him in the knee after his business began struggling during the Commonwealth Games, the Southport Magistrates Court has heard.

Bahlbi Zerai Tekle pleaded guilty yesterday to assault occasioning bodily harm. Magistrate Brian Kucks sentenced him to six months prison to be suspended for two years.

The court heard the late March incident in Cavill Ave occurred after the debt collector kept visiting his business.

Defence lawyer Mollie Roper, of Cooper Maloy Legal, said Tekle was feeling the stress ahead of the Commonwealth Games after ordering a lot of meat and the expected crowds not showing up.

Mr Kucks ordered a conviction be recorded.