The local community rejoiced last week as a Llanfoist businessman was cleared of assault charges, after he fought back to protect his business.

Andrew Woodhouse, of Abergavenny Tyres, was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm with intent after he attacked two thieves who stole diesel from his yard in March last year.

Mr Woodhouse, who was on trial at Cardiff Crown Court, found the two men stealing from his property in the early hours of the morning of March 26.

Kevin Green, 53, and Timothy Cross, 32 then tried to escape into a neighbouring field to their getaway car, with cans full of stolen fuel.

Mr Woodhouse caught up with the two men, and the court was told he took a fence-post from one of the thieves and used it to fight back against them, leaving Green with two broken legs and a broken arm. He then chased Cross across a field before tackling him and holding him there until police arrived.

But when the police arrived, Mr Woodhouse himself was arrested for excessive use of force, and while the thieves ended up with £75 fines, the father-of-five was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The Prosecutor James Wilson described the attack as an 'unreasonable and unlawful assault'.

But the defence, Andrew Taylor said he had acted 'in lawful self-defence' and that if it hadn't been for Mr Woodhouse the two men would have not been caught.

Mr Woodhouse admitted his actions were excessive and that he acted like a 'mad man' but maintained that this was entirely self defence, and was 'sickened' when he discovered the extent of Green's injuries.

The jury found Mr Woodhouse not guilty and supporters from the local area and further afield took to the social networking site Facebook following the verdict, offering their congratulations to Andrew, his wife Lisa and their family.

The group entitled 'Support Andrew Woodhouse, has gathered over 5,000 likes, and thousands of comments from friends, neighbours and even strangers.

One post on the site said, "I don't know you, but I am in awe of you. Well done, enjoy your freedom, you did nothing wrong"

Many of the people offering their support also pointed a finger at the justice system and felt it was unfair that Mr Woodhouse had been on trial at all.

Another post read, "Looks like justice was done but you should not have been there in the first place. Is the government and legal system covering your legal cost and loss of earning from your time wasted. Compensation should be paid your way"

In the Mail on Sunday following the trial, Mr Woodhouse defended his action and said, "I thought it was them or me. People should be able to stop someone taking stuff which didn't belong to them and if they are armed – there's only one thing you can do to protect yourself."

His wife, Lisa added, "They have got to do something with the law haven't they? They have done it if you are in your property – you are allowed to use force if it's your home. It should be the same for your business."

Throughout the the time leading up the the trial, Mr Woodhouse has also received a lot of support from Monmouth MP David Davies, who has regularly spoken out in defence of his constituent and his actions in the heat of the moment.

Commenting on the case, Mr David Davies said, "I'm very surprised this case ended up in court. Mr Woodhouse is a hard-working and well respected local businessman who defended his property from people who were trying to rob him in the dead of night.

"Mr Woodhouse was outnumbered and, as far as I'm concerned, the intruders brought on their injuries themselves.  

  "It's quite clear that the jury displayed common sense and came to the right decision. I am very sorry for the distress Mr Woodhouse and his family have suffered but hope they can put these last 10 months of hell behind them and move on with their lives. I'm sure Mr Woodhouse will be aware he has the support of the whole community."

Mr Woodhouse commented on the Facebook group after the verdict and said, "I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and my wife Lisa to thanks my sons; Joshua, Chay-Tyrell, Mikeal, Taezer and Kesarai for the support and strength they have given us over the last 10 months, you've been amazing.

"I would also like to thank all of my family and friends for their continuous support throughout this ordeal. Thank you to Marcia Bailey, Martin Haywood, Alex Gething, Ellis Jenkins, all my employees, and many more for the overwhelming support and help they have shown."