THREE people turned up at a couple’s property “mob-handed’ to enforce a drug debt, a court heard.

Christopher Daly, Samantha Wilkin and Laura Decosemo forced their way into the home in Blackhall, County Durham, on April 17, 2017.

Durham Crown Court heard at least two of them called earlier in the day, banging on the front and back doors repeatedly, shouting, seeking repayment of £50 for a cannabis deal previously conducted by Daly.

Matthew Bean, prosecuting, said the couple, aware why they were calling, ignored them, and they left.

But, later in the day, at about 7pm, a loud banging noise came from the back door, followed by a loud crash, as glass could be heard shattering.

On checking, the female householder saw Decosemo in the back yard with a metal bar/wheel brace, alongside Daly and Wilkin.

Fearing they were going to be attacked she shouted to her partner to ring the police.

Mr Bean said at this point, Decosemo entered the house by climbing through the smashed porch door panel and pushed the woman to the floor.

During the ensuing attack she was punched, kicked and dragged by the hair, while her partner was pushed against the windowsill and threatened by Daly, still demanding his money back.

The female victim received various injuries, including swellings, bruising and reddening to her face, while her partner suffered a bump to the left side of the face.

Police apprehended the trio nearby as they were travelling from the scene in a Renault Clio.

A key to the back door of the house and the victim’s mobile phone were found in the car.

Although they made no admissions when interviewed, on the day of their scheduled trial, earlier this month, the trio, all aged 27, each admitted affray, and Daly, also admitted assault by beating.

Judge Jonathan Carroll told the trio: “This must have been a truly terrifying experience. You turned up at this home mob-handed to enforce a drug debt of £50.

“This was disgraceful, yobbish behaviour.”

Daly, of Middle Street, Blackhall, received a 21-month and two week prison sentence, suspended for two years. Wilkin, of Naisbett Avenue, Horden, and Decosemo, of Aspatria Avenue, Blackhall, were both given 18-month sentences, suspended for two years.

All three were ordered to perform 200 hours’ unpaid work, complete 15 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service.

Daly must pay £500 compensation,and both women were given £250 orders.