A DRUG addict was given the chance to make a fresh start yesterday after he was convicted for assaulting a dealer.

Brendan Alderson admitted the attack in July, as well as possessing a truncheon and knife.

However, magistrates in Richmond, North Yorkshire, decided he deserved a chance to put his past behind him and imposed a Drug Treatment and Testing Order, which Alderson will have to serve over the next 12 months.

Jane Cook, prosecuting, told the court Alderson's victim was having Sunday lunch with his family when a friend knocked on his door to warn him Alderson was "out to get him''.

Deciding it would be better to confront Alderson before he reached his home, he agreed to be driven along the route he would most likely take.

The two men met in Richmond's Reeth Road, where Alderson launched an attack using a weapon concealed in a bag, which split to reveal a truncheon and knife.

Mrs Cook said Alderson's victim managed to avoid serious injury but required hospital treatment for a head wound and a broken finger.

Christopher Wright, in mitigation, told the court the offences occurred after Alderson had decided to try to put his drug addiction behind him.

The court heard that, despite his decision to make a fresh start, local drug dealers wanted to carry on operating from his flat in Richmond's Whitcliffe Grange, and he lost his temper.

Magistrates decided the Drug Treatment and Testing Order should cover all of Alderson's offences. He was also ordered to pay his victim £60 compensation and £40 in court costs.