A MAN was punched repeatedly in the face after an argument in a supermarket car park, a court heard yesterday.

The victim - who was in the supermarket when he was attacked - suffered a broken nose and swollen face.

The attacker, Dean Bailey, 29, of Caledonian Way, Haughton, Darlington, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

David Madison, prosecuting, said the incident happened at Asda, in Whinbush Way, Darlington, on Wednesday, November 7, last year.

The defendant was trying to park his car when he was obstructed by the victim's Vauxhall Corsa, Mr Madison said. A horn was sounded and hand gestures made.

When the victim went in the store, he saw the passenger of Bailey's car. Bailey approached the victim, and is alleged to have headbutted him three times, and punched him at least twice in the face and twice in the head.

The victim, a male, did not retaliate. The assault ended when Asda staff rushed to intervene.

The victim suffered a broken nose and swollen face. Bailey told the police the victim had made hand gestures in the car park and provoked him in the store.

Alan Green, mitigating, said the defendant admitted assault, but denied headbutting the motorist.

Magistrates adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports. Bailey will reappear at Darlington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, February 12. He was released on unconditional bail.