A MAN has pleaded guilty to seriously assaulting another man in an act of "excessive self-defence".

Michael Martin Doyle admitted an allegation of unlawful wounding.

Doyle, 52 and of Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, had been charged with wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.

However, prosecutor Stuart Ellacott told a short hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday, July 13, the defendant's plea to the lesser section 20 charge was acceptable to the crown on the basis of "excessive self-defence".

Representing Doyle, Nick Robinson made an application for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Judge Stephen Climie accepted this and requested the report from the Probation Service ahead of the sentencing hearing, which is due to take place at the same court on Friday, August 13.

Bournemouth Echo: Police investigating an incident in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, on June 3, 2021

Before being remanded in custody, Doyle, who appeared by video link from prison, was told by Judge Climie that "this is a serious case when in all likelihood the judge will impose a custodial sentence".

As reported, police were called to Holdenhurst Road, just before 6am on June 3 and a man aged in his 40s was taken to hospital with a serious chest injury which was not considered to be life-threatening.

A road closure was put in place while emergency services responded to the incident.