A TEENAGER reacted angrily to what he believed was mockery after his girlfriend collapsed outside a pub early on New Year's Day.

Christopher Mark Peacock struggled to pick her up, dropping her several times on the pavement, to the amusement of some onlookers outside the Mason's Arms pub, in Collingwood Street, Coundon, County Durham.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court that Peacock became "more and more irate" at their reaction.

He approached a man who he believed was laughing at his girlfriend, and punched him above the eye, knocking off his glasses.

Peacock then turned his attention on the pub DJ's assistant, who he knew suffered from autism and had mild learning difficulties.

Despite this, he headbutted him, and began punching him, "uncontrollably".

A pub-goer intervened and punched Peacock to stop his assault on the victim, who was screaming in terror.

Mr Baker said that when police reached the scene, they were faced with a difficult public order incident.

Peacock was arrested and his two victims were taken to hospital for treatment to cuts and bruises.

Don MacFaul, for Peacock, said the incident happened on New Year's Day last year, when he was only 18.

Mr MacFaul said: "He was upset and distressed when his girlfriend collapsed, and his perception was that he was getting both blame and mockery from those gathered round.

"He reacted violently, affected by both drink and drugs.

"But, on realising what he had done, he immediately regretted it and was remorseful, and apologetic."

Mr MacFaul added that while in custody, Peacock has weaned himself off his amphetamine habit.

Peacock, now 19, of Grange Avenue, Bishop Auckland, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and affray.

Imposing a six-month term in a young offenders' institution, Judge Peter Armstrong told him any repeat of such violence could result in a "very long custodial sentence"