A repeat offender was hauled before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday to answer to assault charges stemming from an altercation.

Charged with assault occasioning bodily harm is Donald Hunter. He entered a guilty plea and offered the court an explanation.

The court was told that during an altercation with the complainant, Hunter allegedly used a shovel to hit the complainant across his head.

12 stitches

The complainant, who was in court, told Senior Resident Magis-trate Judith Pusey that he received 12 stitches as a result of the injury.

Pusey then asked the accused man, "Why did you hit him?" He replied, "Your Honour, it was an accident."

Pusey took a careful look at the accused before stating, "You have been here more than once for fighting!"

Hunter responded, "Yes, Your Honour, but in that case, we came to a compromise."

A fingerprint order was made, and Hunter is to return to court on March 22 as the medical certificate was outstanding.