A MAN who fractured a woman's collarbone when he stepped in to break up a row has been spared jail.

Stephen McQuillan went into the ladies toilets at the White Line pub in Hetton le Hole when he heard an argument break out while his girlfriend was inside.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how McQuillan pushed Leanne Barratt away from the fracas, causing her to smash into a wall, while he got his girlfriend away.

But the court heard when he realised Ms Barratt was hurt he stood over her to ensure she did not get further injured.

Ms Barratt was taken to hospital where she was diagnosed with a fractured right collarbone which did not need surgery, her injury was treated with painkillers and a sling.

McQuillan, of Abbey Drive, Houghton le Spring, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm to Ms Barratt during the incident on June 2 last year.

Defence barrister Christopher Morrison said the 36-year-old had serious health problems and was not out looking for trouble that night.

Judge Tony Lancaster sentenced him to a community order with supervision for 12 months.

The judge said: "You intervened to prevent any further trouble, but you used far too much force in circumstances where you should not have done."