Ex-pugilist Fergus Wilson has returned to the ring... in a bid the clear his name for punching an estate agent.

The 65-year-old property tycoon was convicted of the common assault of victim Daniel Wells in an argument over a boiler.

Wilson has conducted his own appeal during the three-day hearing at Canterbury Crown Court.

At the end of the case for the respondents, Wilson asked for the judge and two magistrates to rule he had no case to answer.

But the ex-boxer lost on points and then had to begin giving evidence from his seat at the back of the court.

He denied being angry with Mr Wells – despite being told there had been 27 complaints about maintenance at properties in Ashford owned by his wife.

Wilson, of Long Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, said as he went into the Folkestone estate agents, Mr Wells had fallen off his swivel chair and he had gone to help him.

But the victim claimed that Wilson – who admitted calling him a “little sh*t”- had thrown a punch which had caused a glancing blow, knocking him into the display window.

After getting to his feet, he told the appeal tribunal that he saw Wilson with a clenched fist and told him it “wasn't a good idea” and the attack stopped.

A colleague then tried to call the police but was told by Wilson to put down the phone.

The property tycoon said: “I just went forward to help. I saw him go over his swivel chair. He was like a drowning swimmer.

“He was then on the floor. If I had wished to kick him I could have but I didn’t. There was nothing to prevent me injuring him.”

The appeal hearing continues.

Stories you might have missed

Four 'confess' to Kent student's Borneo killing

Viagra 'cock-up' lands newsagent in court

Tragic mum's overdose after gastric bypass agony

Help solve Kent's unknown soldier mystery