A FAMILY has moved away from a village after a feud with neighbours culminated in an attack outside a cricket club toilet, a court has heard.

In a statement read to Newton Aycliffe Magistrates, the family said they had been forced to leave the Etherley and Toft Hill area due to an ongoing argument with the family of Sharon Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald, 48, of the Crescent in High Etherley, was back at court for sentencing after previously being found guilty of assaulting a man at Etherley Cricket Club on June 9 last year.

Prosecutor Joanne Hesse said the man, who had been in the club at a charity event with his wife, lost consciousness after being punched outside the toilet.

Ms Hesse said Fitzgerald confronted the man and punched him in the face.

The victim’s wife found him lying on the floor bleeding heavily from his face and called the emergency services.

In the victim’s statement read by Ms Hesse, the man said his family has now left the area because of the ongoing problems with Fitzgerald.

The court heard that the man’s nose was bent out of shape, he suffered severe headaches for several weeks after the attack and is now receiving counselling.

Ms Hesse said: “He and his family have now moved out of the area due to significant problems between both families which caused a financial cost to him.”

Fitzgerald had denied the offence and her solicitor Andrew Clinton said there was no evidence that she had caused the victim to lose consciousness.

He said she had hit once but that other people had also become involved.

Mr Clinton said a youth had received a caution in connection with the offence.

Fitzgerald’s daughters Donna and Lindsey Fitzgerald were also charged with assault but were acquitted following a trial.

All three Fitzgeralds were also acquitted of assaulting the man’s wife, the court heard.

Mr Clinton said: “There was no hint that Ms Fitzgerald caused the man to lose consciousness, she caused one blow to the side of the face.”

Magistrates gave Fitzgerald a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered her to pay £100 costs and £50 compensation within 28 days.