A Falklands War veteran from Bradford who beat a neighbour with a rounders bat has been spared jail.

David Goodyear, 56, of Hapsburg Court, Elsdon Green, Little Horton, left Michael Wray covered in blood and with numerous injuries after hitting him with the bat “about ten times”, Bradford Crown Court heard.

The court was told that Mr Wray went round to Goodyear’s flat and asked to borrow some cigarette papers.

Goodyear said he didn’t have any and swore at Mr Wray, the court heard. Later that day, while Mr Wray was waiting for a lift, he was attacked by Goodyear “from behind.

Goodyear, who had eight previous convictions but none for violence, admitted unlawful wounding when he appeared at an earlier hearing. He was given a 15-month jail sentence, suspended for two years