A Warwick man who previously denied assault and wilful damage charges changed his plea in Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Chris Furbert Jr, 34, of Sunnyside Park, admitted assaulting former Southampton Rangers Cricket Club President Randy Raynor, who was selling newspapers out of his car on June 15 last year.

Prosecutor Carrington Mahoney told the court Mr Raynor was selling the newspapers at the junction of South Road and Horseshoe Road when he was approached by Furbert, who pushed him and told him he “won’t be selling any newspapers here.”

A scuffle ensued, where Furbert ripped Mr Raynor’s T-shirt after “gripping” him by the shoulders and throwing him against a wall, said Mr Mahoney.

Furbert then set upon Mr Raynor’s newspapers, scattering a total of 57 papers onto the wet grass and road.

Furbert also admitted damaging the newspapers and Mr Raynor’s shirt, which have a total value of $64.98.

However Furbert maintained his original plea of not guilty to the accusation he used offensive words, allegedly telling Mr Raynor: “If you call the cops, I will f*** you up.”

Defence attorney Charles Richardson said his client and Mr Raynor have a history, and that the altercation began after Furbert confronted Mr Raynor about funds that had been taken from the club.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo ordered a social inquiry report and set a trial for June 12, extending Furbert’s bail of $2,000.