A ROW over dog poo led to a man punching a pet owner in the face.

Denny Philpin, 35, of Meadow Drive, Barnton, Northwich, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to assaulting David Harazny, whose dog had left a "large mess" in the road.

Chester Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday, March 9 the confrontation began between the two men after Mr Harazny did not clean up the dog poo on Grange Avenue.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said Philpin was in his car with his children at the time of the incident in Northwich on December 5, 2020, and shouted at Mr Harazny to clean the dog mess up.

When the dog owner did not do so, Philpin left his car and the men were said to have had a face-to-face confrontation, with both men swearing.

Mr Harazny said "I can't pick it up, it's too watery", and showed he had disposable gloves to pick up dog mess usually.

Philpin got out his mobile phone and said: "I'm f***ing filming you and putting it on social media" and held the phone to Mr Harazny's face.

The defendant then punched Mr Harazny in the face, which knocked the dog owner over.

The victim could feel swelling in his face and his nose was bleeding, causing a pool of blood to form on the floor, as Philpin returned to his car.

Paramedics treated Mr Harazny for a suspected broken nose, although the nose was found not to be broken following an x-ray.

He said the incident had left him shaken, with pain in his body due to arthritis.

A bystander had seen the confrontation and assault, Mr Currums added.

In police interview, Philpin said he had told Mr Harazny to pick up the dog poo, but Mr Harazny had been "arrogant" in response, so got his phone out to take a photo of him.

He accepted he had punched Mr Harazny in the face.

Philpin had eight previous convictions, but none since 2013, with one assault on his record from 2003.

Northwich Guardian: Chester Magistrates Court.

Defending, Derek MacDonald said Philpin was a "family man" and had taught his children the difference between right and wrong.

Having returned home following the assault, he reflected on what he had done and contacted the police to hand himself in.

He said it was clear the dog had made a "large mess" and the owner had "no intention" of picking it up.

Mr MacDonald added: "We are all aware of councils' guidance to this – numerous signs are put up. If you don't pick it up there is a substantial fine."

However, Philpin accepted he should not have punched Mr Harazny.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be obtained.

Chair of magistrates Paul Storrar told Philpin: "No matter how disgusting you find that dog fouling is, the consequences of your actions were very serious."

Philpin was bailed unconditionally, to return to Chester Magistrates Court on April 9.