A THUG has been found guilty of battering a pacifist with a police baton.

Thomas Kiely stood trial at Hove Crown Court accused of attacking Christopher Baker in Highcroft Villas, Brighton.

The 32-year-old barged his way into a flat, then when Mr Baker sought to phone his flatmate, Kiely launched a volley of blows with an extendable baton.

Mr Baker said he was struck three times over the back of his head as he tried to call for help.

He was left covered in blood, with a broken jaw, gashes to his head, and broken fingers.

“I was not sure if he would attempt to kill me,” he said.

A neighbour said Mr Baker looked like a “fancy dress zombie” because he was so pale.

Kiely, of Chichester Place, Brighton, was found not guilty of aggravated burglary, but was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

During the trial, Kiely’s barrister Pierce Power suggested it was Mr Baker who had instigated the violence and possessed the baton.

Kiely argued he had been invited into the premises and was defending himself. Mr Baker said: “Certainly not, I am a pacifist, I don’t like violent people and weapons.

“I was the victim of an extremely violent attack. People would be afraid after being attacked in their own home. I was utterly terrified, scared for my life.”

Judge Paul Tain adjourned sentencing for Kiely until August 29.