A TEENAGER who took a baseball bat to the car of a man he claimed assaulted him two years ago, has walked free from court.

Richard Margrove, 18, was told he escaped jail by "a whisker" after he admitted damaging the Golf GTI belonging to his alleged attacker.

Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard how Margrove, of Lyons Fold, Sale, was travelling in his own car at 6.45pm on May 1 this year when he saw the black Golf GTI and recognised the driver.

Miss Rebecca Lloyd-Smith, prosecuting, said Margrove identified the man as someone he had an on-going dispute with.

"The defendant followed in his car then drove to a nearby park where he knew there was a baseball bat in the bushes," said Miss Lloyd-Smith.

"He drove back, saw the Golf and followed. The Golf driver braked, then the defendant braked and got out of his car holding the baseball bat.

"Words were exchanged and the defendant said 'You caused this scar'. He then proceeded to smash the car windows with the bat. Two were broken. A passer-by rang the police on his mobile phone and the defendant drove off."

Witnesses had noted Margrove's registration number and he was later arrested at home.

He was frank with police and told them he had "lost his temper" as a result of what happened in the past.

The court heard how, in 1999, Margrove had made a complaint of assault to police but was unable to give them the name of his assailant.

A description of the attacker compiled at the time was now shown to match the Golf driver who himself had previous convictions for public order offences.

In mitigation Mr Kieran Rankin said the incident arose from "panic and frustration" and was the culmination of a number of events.

Sentencing Margrove to a 12 month community rehabilitation order and 70 hours community service, Judge Bernard Lever said: "When I read the papers in this case I thought this was gangster-like behaviour, getting a baseball bat and pursuing somebody and smashing their windscreen.

"I had in mind six months in youth custody today. But I have heard some of the character of the man you were having difficulties with. You are not a gangster, you are a young man who's had problems, as many 18 year-old men have. I have decided by a whisker the time has not come for you to go into custody."

Margrove had pleaded guilty to affray, possession of an offensive weapon and damaging property.

He was also ordered to pay £475 compensation for the damaged windows.