A MAN beat up a former childhood friend and left him bleeding after he reacted to being pushed in a Worcester canal.

Convicted robber Paul Sheward appeared at Worcester Crown Court via videolink on Friday after previously admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Sheward, aged 30, of Dent Close, Worcester, was seen to punch Robin Bayer at least three times by a witness on May 11.

Jonathan Veasey-Pugh, prosecuting, said the case would proceed on Sheward's basis of plea that he had acted in self-defence.

The defendant's wet clothes were later discovered at his home which supported his claims he had been pushed into a canal.

Sheward had been sentenced to nine years in prison for two robberies and a battery on July 1, 2011 and the defendant had been on licence when he assaulted Mr Bayer.

"His basis of plea suggests over the top self-defence. They had been former childhood friends but some problems arose and the two fell apart" said Mr Veasey-Pugh.

Mr Veasey-Pugh added that there had been some acrimony between the two before they had a chance meeting on the canal towpath in Worcester.

"The suggestion is it was the complainant who first struck out at this defendant, pushing him into the canal. He tried to get out of the canal but was kicked to the face by the complainant.

When he got out Sheward said he was followed by the complainant. Sheward got on top of Mr Bayer and accepted punching him three times.

Richard Gibbs, defending, described the incident as a case of 'excessive self-defence' and said Sheward wanted to get a job in the construction industry.

Mr Gibbs said: "He wishes to leave the Worcester area. He realises he needs a clean break for his partner and child.

Sheward has previously escaped from custody and has convictions for possession of a bladed article and dishonesty, including for burglary.

Judge Robert Juckes QC said the fight had been at Mr Bayer's instigation and there had been a context of provocation.

Juckes sentenced Sheward to a month in custody which he stressed was a nominal sentence as he is already a serving prisoner.