THREE brothers launched an attack on a man in his home after an argument about a scooter erupted into violence.

David Powney, 35, Joseph Powney, 34, and Reginald Powney, 38, blamed Philip McCabe for stealing the scooter which belonged to a family member and went to his home in East Rainton, near Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, to "teach him a lesson".

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr McCabe was kicked and punched as he lay helplessly on the living room floor.

Tom Moran, prosecuting, said Mr McCabe had been interviewed by the police after the bike was found in his garden a month earlier. But no action was taken against him after he told officers that someone else had put it there.

The brothers had spent the day at the pub before storming around to Mr McCabe's home on March 3.

Mr Moran said: "The defendants simply opened the door, went in and set about attacking him in his living room." They caused more than £660 worth of damage. Mr McCabe suffered cuts and bruises.

Jamie Adams, defending, said: "The whole thing got completely out of hand."

The court heard that the men believed that Mr McCabe owed money for damage that had been caused to the bike.

David Powney, of Hollyhock Terrace, Coxhoe, Reginald Powney, of Handley Crescent, East Rainton and Joseph Powney of Corrigan Terrace, East Rainton, all pleaded guilty to assault.

Judge Richard Lowden ordered them to pay £500 each to Mr McCabe and carry out 200 hours community service.

Judge Lowden said: "Society provides proper ways to sort out money disputes that do not involve going to people's house in drink and having a fight."