A good Samaritan was attacked by the man he stopped to help after an accident, Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Jerkeyo Berkeley was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm in Devonshire on November 16, 2013.

He also admitted stealing $20 from the victim and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

The court heard Berkeley, of Southampton, was in an accident and that the victim and his friend gave him first aid, and tended to his pillion passenger.

Berkeley proceeded to accuse the man of removing his bike keys.

When he denied this and let Berkeley search his pockets, Berkeley removed the victim's wallet and took $20 before throwing it away.

After retrieving his wallet, the victim and his friend started to leave, but noticed that Berkeley was following them.

The victim confronted Berkeley, who struck him on the head with his helmet.

He suffered a crack to his left eye, swelling to his face and an injury to his nose.

Berkeley, who was on parole at the time of the offence, was arrested and admitted stealing $10 from the victim.

He insisted that he attacked the man because he rushed him.

In court, Berkeley said he was sorry and asked if the matter could be dealt with by way of a fine.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo fined Berkeley $300 for stealing but handed him a 12-month prison sentence, as well as a $1,500 fine, for injuring the victim. He also fined him $500 and sentenced him to six months in prison for possessing the offensive weapon.

The prison sentences were suspended for 18 months and are to be followed by an 18-month probation period.

Berkeley, who also appeared in court because he had $3,500 in outstanding fines, was fined another $1,000 for not having insurance and $750 for having an unlicensed car in January last year.

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