A THAI boxing coach has been cleared of assaulting his wife’s former partner at their Latchford house. 

Darren Collins, owner of Warrior Muay Thai Boxing Gym, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, after denying one charge of assault by beating against Robert Sumpton last June.

The court heard the pair had exchanged text messages in the days leading up to the incident over comments made about Mr Sumpton and Gemma Buckley, Mr Collins’ wife.

Speaking about the day of the alleged assault John Richards, prosecuting, said: “Mr Sumpton approached Collins’ property and hit record on his phone.

“Words were exchanged then Collins’ grabbed Sumpton in a headlock and threw him on the floor, verbally assaulting him while on top of the man.”

A voice recording of the scene was played out in court in which Mr Collins is heard repeatedly shouting: “I’ll give you a free shot, take it, take it,” and swearing erratically. 

While on top of Mr Sumpton, he shouted: “I’m going to kill you, I’m going to pull your eyes out,” while Mr Sumpton calls him a ‘bully’. 

Mr Richards added: “The defendant admitted there was an altercation but that he was acting in self-defence.” 

Mr Sumpton, a youth worker, told the court he deals with children from difficult situations every day and would not rise to a fight. 

When asked the reason why he recorded the incident, Mr Sumpton said he had been advised by police to record any instances where he felt ‘unsafe’.

He told the court: “The few times I’ve interacted with Darren it has obviously been very awkward.”

Two days before the incident, Mr Sumpton sent a text message asking to discuss a matter in which he had been called a ‘tool’ by Collins. 

The court heard how aggressive text messages and a phone call were then exchanged.

John Bernasco, defending, asked Mr Sumpton: “Did you not contact Collins saying you wanted to meet somewhere to have a fight? 

“You were aggressive and came up to him and you are much taller than him. He was restraining you and guided you to the floor.”

Mr Sumpton replied: “No, I did not offer the man a fight.”

Mr Collins, 39, said he had been willing to meet but on doing so  he felt threatened and had to defend himself. 

Mr Richards added: “Your intention was to confront him about the words used about Gemma.”

Clearing Mr Collins of the assault charge, district judge Bridget Knight told both men to grow up, adding: “What an appalling state of affairs for two adults to behave like this.” 

She told them both to ‘grow up’ and acquitted Collins of assault.