A fight that arose over trash bags has landed a Southampton man a fine of $1,000.

Charles Cope, 43, was charged with assaulting Donald Canton on January 31 after the two came to blows over when and where Mr Cope was placing his trash bags, Mr Cope told Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Larissa Burgess told the court Mr Canton had approached Mr Cope to further discuss the matter of his trash bags, when Mr Cope reared back and punched Mr Canton in the face. After staggering away, Mr Canton turned back to his assailant.

“You struck me,” said Mr Canton.

“F***ing right I struck you,” replied Mr Cope.

In Magistrates’ Court this morning, Mr Cope told a different story, though he pleaded guilty to the charges. He said Mr Canton had been aggressive with him before over where he was placing his trash bags, and said that he assured Mr Canton he would rectify the matter.

But on the day in question, he said he found Mr Canton attempting to throw trash that was not his into his yard. Mr Cope said Mr Canton took a fighting stance after he had confronted him, at which point Mr Cope lashed out and punched Mr Canton in the face.

“This is an act of violence used to settle a dispute. A conditional discharge would not be in the public interest,” said Mr Tokunbo.

Mr Cope was eventually fined $1000 for the offence.