TWO brothers who attacked a man after he confronted one of them about a relationship with a teenage girl have been jailed.

Sean and Brian Hamilton assaulted Michael Graydon at a house in Whitby Way, Darlington, leaving him needing 28 stitches to his head.

Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday that Mr Graydon had been drinking in the Grey Horse pub in the town when he heard rumours the girl was in a relationship with Brian Hamilton, 35.

On October 24, he went to a house where he believed the girl was babysitting, but found the two defendants.

Euan Duff, prosecuting, said: "He went in and remonstrated with Brian Hamilton about the relationship and asked where she was. His response was 'what has it got to do with you'.

"Violence then erupted and Mr Graydon was struck on the side of his head by an object followed by an attack upon him by both brothers in which he was repeatedly struck."

The court heard he was found a while later at Mount Pleasant School, Newton Lane, Darlington, where the two defendants were also seen. His wallet was missing and it was discovered Brian Hamilton had used his credit card to withdraw £160.

Mr Duff said the victim had since suffered depression and was devastated by the attack.

The brothers, of Eastbourne, Sussex, left the area, moving to Brighton, and were not caught until February when they were stopped by police and gave false details.

Rossano Scamardella, defending Sean Hamilton, 36, said he thought his brother was under threat and acted spontaneously by using a drinks can to hit Mr Graydon.

Both brothers pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and perverting the course of justice. Brian Hamilton also admitted theft.

They were both sentenced to two years imprisonment.