When two Latvian workmates had an argument they settled it with a wrench and violent bust-up.

The fight ended with one of the men being knocked unconscious and losing two teeth – and the second being given a suspended prison sentence.

But Judge Heather Norton issued Stanislavs Deruks, 24, of Maypits, Ashford, a stern warning about British justice.

She said: "In your country, I am told, it is not unusual for disputes to be resolved in such a way. However, it is not usual here. It is criminal and it will not be tolerated."

Deruks had pleaded guilty to assaulting Vjaceslavs Borcs and was given a 12-month jail sentence - suspended for 18 months - and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work for the community.

Ian Foinette, prosecuting, told Canterbury Crown Court: "This defendant and Mr Borcs knew each other because they worked together."

He said on September last year Mr Borcs spoke to Deruks' daughter and offered to buy her some sweets.

And despite nothing "untoward" happening, it led to accusations of kidnapping by Deruks when he confronted Mr Borcs outside a supermarket.

Mr Foinette added: "There is no suggestion that anything improper took place and Mr Borcs tried to explain that.

"However, the defendant turned up with a wrench and struck him across the right cheek.

"He was then hit a second time over the head before being kicked unconscious, leaving him shocked and bleeding."

Mr Borcs was taken to hospital and treated for broken teeth, bruising and swelling.

Oliver Saxby, defending, said: "The situation is that in his country that is sometimes how these disputes are resolved. He now realises that he can't do this in this country even with Latvian kinsmen."

The judge ordered him to pay £200 compensation to his injured work colleague, telling him: "Following a dispute, whether it be a misunderstanding or otherwise, you beat him about the head with a metal wrench.

"And whatever the rights or wrongs, there can be no justification for an assault on an unarmed man who posed no immediate threat to you.

"You have chosen to come and live in this country to work here. You therefore should be and no doubt can be, a useful member of society. But being a member of a society brings not only benefits but also obligations.

"You must live and behave according to the rules and obligations of this society."