LABOUR MP Ronnie Campbell went on trial yesterday accused of hitting a diner during a curry house brawl.

The 58-year-old MP "lost it" after suffering constant abuse from drunken diner Denise Longman, the court heard.

He jumped up from his table "purple with rage" and punched her companion, Graeme Gillespie, as he sat innocently eating his meal, it was alleged.

South-East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, at Bedlington, heard how Mr Gillespie, 33, had gone to the Pan Ahar restaurant in Blyth and found the veteran MP enjoying a meal with his son, Aidan.

Lawrence Sherrington, prosecuting, told the court: "At some point, Denise Longman realised Ronnie Campbell was in the restaurant and started shouting and swearing, calling him useless.

"Denise Longman made insulting remarks about Mr Campbell's wife."

The argument blew up when Aidan Campbell went over to the pair and had to be restrained by his father, waiters and fellow diners.

The court heard that the MP then turned and punched Mr Gillespie on the side of the face.

Mr Gillespie, 33, from Blyth, told the court how he had nine pints and two bottles of lager and diazepam tablets before he went to the curry house.

He said Ms Longman had "gone on and on" at Mr Campbell, making offensive, abusive and embarrassing remarks for up to 20 minutes before he was attacked.

He told the court: "I was about to tuck into my meal and was sitting down, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Mr Campbell and another person get up ready to leave.

"After that I got a blow to the left side of my face."

Aidan Campbell, 26, and Denise Longman agreed to be bound over to keep the peace after admitting their part in the fracas.

Mr Campbell, the MP for Blyth Valley, denies common assault and a public order offence.

The trial, expected to last two days, continues.