Jealousy put a wealthy 67-year-old Chiswick businessman in the dock at Isleworth Crown Court last week.

William Harte admitted causing actual bodily harm and was given a conditional discharge for two years and told to pay£300 costs.

Prosecutor James Cartwright said Harte, of Nicholas Court, Coney Reach Way, clearly believed over a period of time his ex-wife had been having an affair with victim Felix Quinn, an art dealer who owns a gallery - Thomas Kincade - on Chiswick High Road, Last year, Mr Quinn was at his shop moving pictures into a lorry when Harte appeared asking for his ex-wife, who was not there. "Then suddenly Mr Quinn realised the defendant had a pick-axe handle which he used to strike him twice over the head," said counsel.

Although there was a lot of blood the injuries were minor, with Mr Quinn suffering three small lacerations to the side of his head and bruising to his arm and hand.

"Mr Quinn punched Harte, who declared: We are too old for this,' but Harte quickly started the abuse again, holding an imaginary gun and saying: There will be bullets for you.'"

Mr Quinn managed to hold the defendant until the police arrived but during the struggle two pictures worth nearly £4,000 were damaged when the two men fell against them.

Defence counsel, Timothy Grey, asked the judge to follow the recommendation in the pre-sentence report and Judge Sam Katkhuda agreed.

He said:" It is something that should not happen - someone of your age appearing in court".