A MAN turned angry when he found out his wife of 13 years was seeing someone else, a court heard yesterday.

Harrogate magistrates was told that Andrew Lockyer smashed his way into their home and attacked his love rival, leaving him with a six-inch head wound.

Caroline Midgley, prosecuting, said Lockyer, 31, seemed unable to accept his marriage was over after meeting his estranged wife, Michelle, at his home in Jennyfield Drive, Harrogate, on July 1, so they could talk over their future

Mrs Lockyer left in a taxi and went to her new home in St Winifred's Avenue, Harrogate, where she was joined by her new partner David Fisher.

A short time later, a knock at the door was followed by a crash as Lockyer, a man who had never before been in trouble with the law, smashed a window in the front door to get in.

Mrs Midgley said Lockyer burst into the living room and set about Mr Fisher with an extendable baton belonging to his wife, hitting him about the head.

Lockyer then left by car, which he crashed a short time later into railings outside a house at East Lodge, Moor Park, Beckwithshaw, near Harrogate.

He left the scene before police arrived but later went to Harrogate police station and was arrested.

Lockyer pleaded guilty to causing Mr Fisher actual bodily harm and a charge of aggravated burglary was dropped.

He also admitted careless driving and failing to stop after an accident. In mitigation Mohammad Rafiq said the offences, caused solely by matrimonial difficulties, were out of character.

Presiding magistrate David Marlow called for probation reports, covering all sentencing options including prison, to be prepared.

He bailed Lockyer until August 12.