A MAN was set upon and attacked as he walked down a street in broad daylight, a court was told.

The victim was heading along Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, carrying a ball, when he was approached and grabbed by John David McGloen.

Durham Crown Court heard the 34-year-old dragged him to the ground, and repeatedly punched and elbowed him to the upper body and head, leaving him badly dazed.

Tim Gittins, prosecuting, said a couple walking past “verbally intervened” and McGloen stopped, then walking off.

Other passers-by reported seeing the incident, at 12.30pm on Saturday March 8 last year, but one woman said she had children with her and was reluctant to get involved.

Mr Gittins said it was reported to police and, “remarkably”, the victim suffered only reddening and swellings to the face, but nothing more serious.

But he was said to be unwilling to assist the prosecution and subsequently issued a retraction statement.

Mr Gittins said it appeared the attack stemmed from alleged remarks made to a family member of McGloen on a social media site.

But Judge Robert Adams said it later emerged the victim had not made the comments alleged.

When questioned about the attack, McGloen made no reply, even after being picked out following identity procedure.

Mr Gittins said McGloen pleaded ‘guilty’ to affray at a hearing in September, but, before he was sentenced, “a second matter came to light”.

Two days after an overnight burglary, in which £2,000 worth of property was taken from a property in Garside Grove, Peterlee, McGloen exchanged Turkish lira, stolen in the break-in, at a local travel agent.

He was recognised by police and his home was searched, uncovering other items taken in the burglary, including two pairs of sunglasses, Turkish-marked cigarettes and a money bag.

Checks revealed he had not visited Turkey, and, asked how the property came to be found at his home, he again made no reply.

McGloen, of Quetlaw Road, Wheatley Hill, County Durham, admitted handling stolen goods at a recent hearing.

Today’s (Wednesday February 4) sentencing hearing was told he has “significant” offending history, including two previous convictions for house burglary.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said McGloen, has been in custody since September 25, and hopes to be free for the birth of his child, in April.

He was given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which he must undergo probation supervision, including attending a course addressing anger management.