AN attack by a man with an ash tray on his brother after a drunken row at a caravan park has proved costly.

But, Durham Crown Court heard it could have ended with one of the brothers facing an immediate jail sentence.

Police were called to Crimdon Dene Caravan Park, on the Durham coast, shortly after midnight on May 16, following a report of a row between brothers Thomas and Joshua Benn over who was to make food, escalating to violence.

During the clash, Thomas Benn was said to have thrown an ash tray with struck Joshua in the back of the head as he tried to flee the caravan.

Joshua Benn suffered a 4cm-long injury to the back of his scalp.

Thomas Benn denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but, the 30-year-old, of Wynyard Mews, Hartlepool, admitted simple wounding.

His counsel, Dan Cordey, said he would admit causing the injury, but on the basis it was not pre-meditated.

Judge James Adkin said: “A fight between two brothers in a caravan ending with an injury like this. Surely it can be considered?”

The Crown did accept the plea and Judge Adkin passed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, ordering Benn to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work and undergo 20 probation activity days. He was also ordered to pay £400 compensation to his brother and a £140 court surcharge.