A YOUNG drunk launched an attack on a friend and then on the man's grandmother when she tried to intervene to stop the violence.

Daniel Caffrey, 21, punched and kicked the friend of 15 years who crossed Hamilton Street, in Horden, to speak to him, on the afternoon of July 27 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard Caffrey pushed the victim against a wall and was only prevented from continuing the attack when the man's grandmother intervened.

Chris Williamson, prosecuting, said the 62-year-old woman was flung out of the way by Caffrey and suffered a bruised shin and her glasses were broken.

She brought her husband, who became involved in a further altercation with Caffrey, who was, "obviously drunk", added Mr Williamson.

Roger Moore, for Caffrey, said it was, "very much out of character for the normally hardworking lad", who can remember little of the incident and could not explain his actions.

Caffrey, of Cowell Street, Horden, admitted two charges of common assault.

Recorder William Lowe QC told Cowell he should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.

He sentenced him to 12 months probation supervision and ordered him to pay compensation of £250 and £287, respectively, to the victims of the assaults.