A DOCTOR'S reputation took a blow yesterday after he was fined £3,000 for attacking a good friend aboard his yacht.

Michael Adam, 55, of Far Croft, Lepton - a GP for 29 years - was also ordered to pay £1,500 compensation and £55 prosecution costs after he pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Holyhead Magistrates' Court in Anglesey, North Wales, heard how Adam, Mr Richard Jacob, 57, and their families, had been good friends for 20 years and spent many hours aboard the GP's yacht.

But the attack happened last May, after they had been drinking aboard the boat moored at Rhoscolyn, Anglesey.

Prosecutor Darrell Jones said Adam had thrown his daughter, Kate, to the floor and kicked her.

Mr Jacob's daughter tried to protect her, but the doctor continued kicking out.

Mr Jones said Mr Jacob then tried to pull the GP away. But he was punched about five times in the face. He was momentarily unconscious and bleeding.

Adam told police there had been a heated row with his daughter.

She and Mr Jacob's daughter fell to the ground as he brushed past, he claimed.

Defence solicitor Eilian Williams said

the doctor did not accept the prosecution allegations in full but the victim was his patient.

"There are areas he's not anxious to pursue because of that, which might have assisted his case," the solicitor said.

Adam suffered from depression because of his work, the court heard.

He had feared he was about to be assaulted. "He's extremely ashamed. His remorse is genuine," Mr Williams said.