A RODBOURNE man swung for his friend over an alleged £10 fuel debt.

Prosecutor Ben Worthington told Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning that Tiago da Costa met his friend outside a Swindon Premier store at around 6am on August 26 last year.

Da Costa, 39, claimed the friend owed him £10 for fuel. However, the friend disagreed and an argument ensued – with former Aldi worker da Costa swinging for the other man. The encounter was caught on CCTV.

Appearing before the court on Saturday having been arrested on a warrant, da Costa, of Groves Street, Rodbourne, pleaded guilty to common assault.

Representing himself, he said he had not made contact with the victim. He was currently signed off from work.

The magistrates heard he broke his hip last December and spent time in hospital. He moved house when he was discharged by doctors and had missed the letter giving his court date in January.

He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £119 in costs and surcharge.