A BUSINESSMAN will stand trial for allegedly wounding an intruder who tried to steal diseal from his tyre yard.

Andrew Woodhouse, 43, denies causing Kevin Green grevious bodily harm (GBH) with intent as he tried to leave premises near Samuel Salter Close, Abergavenny, on March 26.

Woodhouse, 43, of Kiln Lodge, Blaenavon Road, Govilon, also denies inflicting GBH on Mr Green.

Andrew Taylor, defending Woodhouse, told Newport Crown Court yesterday the case was an "unusual" one.

He explained Woodhouse was the owner of a business in Llanfoist and the incident involved, two men - possibly three - who went to Woodhouse's yard equipped to steal a "large amount" of diesel from the premises.

The men - Timothy Cross and Kevin Green - had with them syphon pumps and "other paraphernalia" when they were apprehended, he said. Green sustained injuries as he was trying to leave the yard, the court heard.

Woodhouse was released on bail until he is to stand trial on January 20.

As previously reported in the Argus, Cross, 31, and Green, 52, were fined for stealing £50 of diesel from Woodhouse's yard.

The pair pleaded guilty to stealing £50 of fuel in two jerry cans belonging to Andrew Woodhouse at Cwmbran Magistrates' Court in June.

In addition, Cross admitted possessing 0.3 grams of cannabis on the same day.

Cross, of Clos Ysty, Caldicot, was fined £75 for the theft, £75 for cannabis possession and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 surcharge.

Green, of Charles Edward Close, Abergavenny, was also fined £75 for the fuel theft and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 surcharge.