A FATHER and son narrowly escaped immediate prison sentences after turning on a friend in a pub toilet.

The victim was initially struck when he intervened in a dispute between Anthony Simpson and another man in the gents at The Green Tree, in Bishop Auckland, on Saturday February 13, last year.

Durham Crown Court was told licensee Avril Proud went in to try to calm the situation and described seeing him repeatedly punching the injured man, causing his head to bang off the wall.

Yvonne Taylor, prosecuting, said, as efforts were made to pull Anthony Simpson away, his son “launched himself in”, punching the prone victim several more times.

The onlookers managed to break things up, and the Simpsons left the premises as the victim was given initial treatment.

Miss Taylor said: “Mrs Proud described it as one of the worst, most vicious attacks in all her years as a publican.”

The complainant, who was unable to open his left eye due to the swelling, was treated in hospital for a fractured eye socket.

Both Simpsons, of Vart Road, Bishop Auckland, were arrested and Anthony, now 47, admitted landing “two or three” blows, initially saying in self-defence.

Twenty-five-year-old Adam Simpson at first denied taking part in any form of assault.

They were each charged with wounding with intent, but their ‘guilty’ pleas to the slightly lesser offence of unlawful wounding were eventually accepted by the prosecution.

Shaun Dryden, for Anthony Simpson, said: “The irony is that the complainant is one of his best friends, he’s known him for a long time.

“He now accepts that he had far too much to drink. There was an incident in the toilets and he accepts acting irrationally, in a way he shouldn’t.”

Chris Wood, for Adam Simpson, added: “They are good friends and during the course of the day all had been drinking together, before things got out of hand.

“He perceived his father to be under threat and so launched in. He’s now remorseful and disgusted at his conduct.”

Judge Brian Forster described it as, “an unpleasant, nasty incident.”

Anthony Simpson, was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours’ unpaid work.

Adam Simpson received a six-month sentence, suspended for a year, with 60 hours’ unpaid work.

Both must pay £500 compensation and £250 costs.