A MAN used a golf club to hit his neighbour after he went to confront her about her children throwing eggs at his window, a court was told.

Ian Kirton is also alleged to have slapped the woman's sister during the disturbance in Appleby Close, Darlington.

The events which unfolded on August 30 last year were filmed by a resident on her mobile phone and the footage played to the jury in Mr Kirton's trial at Teesside Crown Court.

The prosecution's case is that 53-year-old defendant banged on the complainant's door and began shouting at her about her children throwing eggs at his window.

After being struck in the arm with the golf club the woman is said to have wrestled it from Mr Kirton and hit him back in self defence across his legs.

Her sister then became involved and was slapped across the face by Mr Kirton.

The defendant, of Appleby Close, denies possessing an offensive weapon and two charges of assault by beating.

In his account to police following his arrest he said he had knocked on his neighbour's door which was when she began swearing at him.

She then grabbed him and, having shouted to a friend to “get the f****** golf club”, began hitting him with it.

Stephen Duffield, prosecuting, said the situation was confused and the mobile phone video only gave a partial picture of what had occurred.

The neighbour suffered reddening to her arm and scratches to her leg, while Mr Kirton was left with a large bruise on his stomach.

The trial continues.