A MAN is facing jail for an attack of a takeaway boss - but his partner has been cleared of any criminal involvement in the dust-up in the street.

The couple from Ferryhill, County Durham, have been on trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with a number of offences, including affray.

Joanne Wigham, 35, was today found not guilty of that charge on the directions of the judge, Simon Phillips, QC, and was released from the dock.

Last week, she was acquitted - also on the judge's directions after legal arguments - of racially-aggravated assault and actual bodily harm.

Her partner, David Lowes, 37, was also cleared today of racially-aggravated assault, but has admitted criminal damage and actual bodily harm.

He will return to court either late this month or early next month to be sentenced, but was warned by Judge Phillips that prison will be an option.

The judge told him: "These are serious matters as you well know, and in adjourning sentence I make it plain all sentencing options are open, including custody."

Lowes, of Fairwood Terrace, Ferryhill, said he was provoked by victim Muhammad Saeed Ahkter and apologised in court for the attack in October.

But during his evidence, he told the jury of seven women and five men at that he had never racially abused the pizza shop boss as had been claimed.

The prosecution say the couple bore a grudge against Mr Ahkter after Miss Wigham blamed him for her sacking from Siciliano’s takeaway in Ferryhill.

Lowes repeatedly punched their former colleague while he was in his car, and broke the vehicles's window with his fists, said prosecutor Paul Newcombe.

Lowes told the court the complainant had sworn and made threats, and an offensive gesture, and the other man was being aggressive as they struggled.

The judge said: "It is a matter that has a number of concerning features to it. The attack was in a public place and that is of significant concern.

"The defendant is not an individual without any previous convictions, although it is right he has had no matters recorded against him for 13 years."