A MAN who grabbed his sister-in-law's friend by the throat was fined by magistrates yesterday after admitting common assault.

Northallerton Magistrates Court heard that Timothy Pattison, 34, of Forest Drive, Colburn, had gone to his sister-in-law's house to pick up his wife's coat following a disagreement between the two sisters on January 3.

Jane Cook, prosecuting, said Pattison's behaviour was described as belligerent and threatening.

She said that as he was leaving the house, an argument began between him and Janet Mason, a friend of his sister-in-law.

He then stood on her foot, pushed her backwards and put his arms across her throat, said Mrs Cook, before grabbing her by the throat with both hands.

He only let go when Mrs Mason's husband intervened.

In mitigation, Peter Bradford said Pattison had been provoked, and that there was no evidence Mrs Mason had been injured.

Pattison was fined £250 and was bound over to keep the peace for 12 months.