requiring nine stiches had his sentencing put off until October 22 pending a social inquiry.

Winston Simmons, 52, of Random Lane, admitted in Magistrates' Court to unlawfully wounding Ernest Baker of Spice Hill, Warwick on August 21.

The two men were involved in a fight at Mr. Baker's home after light teasing became serious. After being stabbed with a fork, Simmons left Baker's home and returned with a baseball bat which he used to hit Banker whie he was sleeping.

Baker was found with a deep gash on his head and lying in a pool of blood by a neighbour.

"He dug me in the arm with a fork,'' Simmons told the court. "I hit him. I didn't mean to hurt him like that. I struck him with the bat to protect myself.'' Acting Magistrate the Wor. Miss Charles-Etta Simmons said: "Mr. Baker spent nine days in hospital. Is that the answer to someone pricking you with a fork? I think you need to cool down a bit.''