A MAN who smashed a car’s windows as part of an ongoing feud between families has been ordered to pay £350 compensation.

Darren Lee Roberts smashed the windows on a Ford Focus which belonged to a man that his family is in a long-running dispute with, magistrates in Newton Aycliffe were told.

Roberts, 23, who lives in the Bishop Auckland area, smashed the windows with a spade while it was parked outside the victim’s home in the town at about 2.30pm on April 14, the court heard.

Prosecutor Blair Martin said the excess on the car’s insurance was £350 and the victim also claimed he had to buy a new car seat for £25 and pram for £289 after they were showered with glass.

Mr Martin said Roberts told police he punched the windows but he had no marks on his hand.

Andrew Clinton in mitigation said the victim had been in a six-year-long feud with Roberts’ uncle which started because their children did not get on.

Mr Clinton said Roberts snapped after the victim assaulted his uncle and said Roberts’ father had given the car owner £300 to have the windows repaired.

Magistrates orders Roberts to pay £350 compensation and a £15 victim surcharge as they also gave him a conditional discharge for 12 months.