Blocked-in driver broke bin man's cheekbone

Andrew Modeste, 22, who punched wagon driver Paul Eastwood in the face and threw stones at him, has been ordered to pay compensation for fracturing his cheekbone. The confrontation happened in Aspley, Huddersfield, 15 months ago as Modeste rushed to work.

Modeste, of Delacey Avenue, Almondbury, Huddersfield, was yesterday ordered by a judge to pay his victim 750 compensation after he admitted a charge of unlawful wounding.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Modeste, who had previous convictions for common assault, assault and threatening behaviour, had been rushing

to get to work with his girlfriend when they found the wagon was blocking their path.

Elyas Patel, for Modeste, conceded there was no justification for attacking a public servant.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said the public probably expected him to lock Modeste up, but if he did he would not be able to make the labourer pay compensation. The judge suspended a 12-month prison sentence for two years, but he warned him that any breach would lead to him being locked up.

He said Modeste had been "irritated and arrogant".