A MAN accused of wounding a dog owner during an argument and then robbing him of his pet will be sentenced next month after being found guilty by a jury.

Paul Duell allegedly went to a house in Stanley Street, Lowestoft, where his brother had a room, to check on food in the freezer before his brother's release from prison, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

However when Duell went into the property Paul Andrews, who lived at the premises, was reluctant to let him in as he did not know him, said John Farmer, prosecuting.

He said Mr Andrews claimed that Duell had attacked him and had stamped on his leg while he was on the ground, causing a fracture.

A week later, on November 18, Duell had allegedly returned to the premises and told Mr Andrews that he wanted his dog and if he did not let him have it he would use further violence against him.

Mr Farmer said Mr Andrews had screws and plates in his fractured leg and had not been in a position to put up a fight.

Duell, 39, of Alma Road, Lowestoft, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent on Mr Andrews and robbery.

Duell was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but guilty of a less serious offence of unlawful wounding. He was also found guilty of robbery. Sentence was adjourned until next month for a pre-sentence report.

During the trial Duell claimed he had punched Mr Andrews in self-defence after the latter had punched him three times.

He denied stamping on Mr Andrews' leg and claimed he had accepted his offer to look after his Staffordshire bull terrier while he was recovering from his leg injury.