A MAN who threw a can of lager at his friend because he thought he was interfering in his relationship has been sentenced by magistrates.

Alan Hutchinson showed up at the retired victim’s house in Bishop Auckland in the middle of the night on July 21 and began to bang on the front door and living room window.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard how Hutchinson and his partner had been chatting to the victim and his wife at the pub earlier that night but Hutchinson had left following an argument.

David Carmichael, prosecuting, said Hutchinson was angry his partner had returned with the victim and his wife and went round to remonstrate, as he believed people were interfering in his relationship.

He said the 51-year-old threw a can of lager at the victim’s shoulder and kicked a hole in the front door.

Hutchinson, of Rosemount Court, Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to assault by beating, criminal damage and breaching a conditional discharge last month and the case was adjourned for probation reports.

Today (Wednesday, September 2), he returned for court to be sentenced.

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said his client suffered from mental health problems which stemmed from an “unhappy and unsettled childhood.”

Hutchinson was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation days. He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation and £150 criminal court charge.