Mark Wilson leaves courtCRICKETER Mark Wilson knocked a man for six in a drink-fuelled rage, a court heard. Wilson, 29, of Old Town, was found guilty of actual bodily harm after striking Simon Brogden, 38, outside a town centre bar last May.

Swindon magistrates heard how Wilson, who plays for Blunsdon United Cricket Club, had been drinking with team-mates when he became involved in a row between Mr Brogden and Bryony Wilson.

Paul Orton, defending, said his client a Royal Mail postman had attempted to break-up an argument between the former partners, which had spilled out of Casbah.

Wilson told the court that Mr Brogden's head injuries, which needed 18 stitches, resulted from a slip when he lunged towards him.

But Frank Murphy, prosecuting, said Wilson had struck his victim with his foot.

Heavily-built Mr Wilson told magistrates: "Following a cricket match I went into town with some cricket chaps.

"My friend Kirsty called me at about 10pm to say that we would meet up. They were in Casbah.

"I could see Bryony Wilson having a dispute with Holly Matthews and Simon Brogden.

"As I entered the establishment, I could see there had been an incident. Bryony Wilson was swearing and irate.

"I told Kirsty I was going outside. Simon and Holly came out.

"I said to them 'are you okay'? Simon said 'not really', then Bryony came thundering out.

"They were at loggerheads immediately. Simon and Holly crossed the road to the Litten Tree. Bryony ran over and the argument started again.

"I got in between them and said to Bryony 'let's go and get something to eat'. Holly and Simon walked off down the road. They were still shouting.

"Simon and Bryony had got to the end of the road outside the Focal Point building. Bryony ran up the road towards Holly and Simon. They were both arguing.

"I then followed up the road and got in between them. I placed my hand on Simon's chest.

"Simon took a swing at me. I felt a blow to the side of my face and I was covered in blood.

"I was shocked. I was there to appease the situation."

Wilson immediately notified police of the incident and was arrested the following day when he went to make a statement.

Wilson claimed he raised his foot to protect himself but the prosecution suggested he was the aggressor.

Mr Murphy said: "In your police interview you refer to a third man 5ft 7ins tall wearing a black top and jeans. He was having a go at Simon.

"You say that was an honest mistake but you have invented a description.

"This third man played a crucial part in this event and yet you say that this was an honest mistake."

Mr Orton called Brian Northcote, a retired policeman who has been awarded a MBE, as a character witness.

He spoke of a "mild-mannered joker" whose size "gave people the impression of what he is not."

But returning his verdict, Dick Mattick, chairman of the bench, said medical evidence was the main deciding factor.

He said Mr Brogden's injuries suggested he had been assaulted.

Wilson was granted conditional bail and ordered to reappear before magistrates on March 22 for sentencing.

Kevin Shoesmith