AN ORPINGTON man was left drained after an argument with a plumber in his loft.

The two men came to blows over an argument about fitting a hot water tank at Stephen Curry's home in Goddington Chase.

Plumber Timothy Barnes, aged 35, of Chislehurst, was found not guilty of causing actual bodily harm at Croydon Crown Court last week. Mr Barnes, of Conniscliffe Close, had been employed to fit a new storage tank in October 2000.

But a row boiled up when he and his assistant turned up with a smaller replacement than arranged.

Engineer Mr Curry told the court: "He said it was the only one available and it was a question of take it or leave it.

"Later, I went up into the loft and found they were using plastic piping. I wanted copper but he said everyone used plastic these days. I told him I'd get someone else to finish the job."

He had alleged Mr Barnes prodded him in the chest three or four times and asked: "Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"

Mr Curry said he then felt a blow to his jaw which spun him round. He then alleged another blow to his left side made him "see stars" and he felt a sharp pain in his leg as if he had been kicked.

Giving evidence, Mr Barnes claimed Mr Curry had been "acting strange" and started swearing at him.

He added: "He made the remark, I might just attack you in a minute'. I told him not to be stupid." He claimed Mr Curry thumped him in the face and kicked him in the shin and groin.

"I kicked out once or twice to stop him kicking again," he added.