A FATHER pleaded guilty to attacking his next-door neighbours when he appeared in court yesterday.

Vincent McGill, of Darlington, admitted assaulting John and Elizabeth Crawford during a disagreement in May last year.

The 40-year-old, of Aintree Court, Red Hall, changed his plea to guilty when he appeared for the first day of his trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Michael Alexander, 21, who lives in the same street, pleaded guilty to affray for his part in the disturbance.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to drop the case against a 15-year-old boy, but the details would remain on file. No further details were given and the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.