A MAN was struck across the back of the head during an attack in his own home, a court heard.

Timothy Martin Clements let himself into the victim’s home in Bishop Auckland and punched the man to the back of the head several times on the night of July 8.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court in County Durham, today said the 25-year-old went on to throw a computer monitor across the living room and damage a television stand.

In a statement read out in court, the victim said he had been left with lumps and swelling to the head.

He added: “Because of this incident we no longer felt safe in our own home and have in fact left our home and have no intention of going back.”

Clements, of John Terrace, Coronation, Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage to the value of £200.

Sheila Ramshaw, mitigating, said both men had been at barbecue earlier that night and Clements had been suspicious of the victim’s behaviour.

After standing the matter down for a probation report, magistrates sentenced Clements to a six-month community order.

He was also ordered to pay £200 to cover the cost of the damage and a further £50 in compensation to the victim.

No court costs were imposed due to his limited means.