VIOLENCE flared over a drunken man’s mistaken belief that two bikes left outside a house belonged to a relative.

Durham Crown Court heard that a Polish man suffered a fractured shoulder bone in a confrontation with Callum McCall, outside the victim’s home in Stanley, late on Sunday October 15, 2015.

The court was told a witness saw McCall strike the Polish man twice, knocking him to the ground, before kicking him about the head and shoulders.

Palmer acted as peacemaker, but later both he and McCall returned to the scene, threatening further violence, before police arrived.

Both men claimed they armed themselves with the fence posts in self-defence.

Despite earlier denials, McCall, 26, of North Ridge, Bedlington, Northumberland, admitted unlawful wounding. Both he and Palmer, 38, of Garden Terrace, Craghead, near Stanley, admitted affray.

Rachael Landin, for McCall, said in drink, he was of the mistaken belief that the bikes belonged to a relative.

Liam O’Brien, for Palmer said he initially acted as peacemaker.

Recorder Ray Singh imposed a 24-month prison sentence suspended for two years, but McCall must perform 240-hours’ unpaid work and observe a three-month 9pm to 6am home curfew.

Palmer was given a six-month 9pm to 6am curfew.