A WOMAN had to fake a panic attack in order to stop a man assaulting her boyfriend, a court heard yesterday.
Ralph Stewart, 19, followed student Mark Jameson from Darlington town centre to his home in Cockerton before attacking him, South Durham magistrates were told.
Simon Crowder, prosecuting, said Stewart, who admitted assault, first took a cigarette from behind Mr Jameson's ear, then began trying to talk to his girlfriend, on the evening of February 18.
He followed the pair and another friend on the bus to Cockerton before hitting Mr Jameson
"The girlfriend faked a panic attack to try to end it all," said Mr Crowder.
"She had to be carried into the house."
Mr Jameson suffered cuts and bruises to his face and jaw in the attack.
Sentencing was adjourned until May 1 and Stewart, of York Square, Shildon, was granted bail on condition he stays out of Cockerton and does not approach prosecution witnesses.
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