A MAN who punched his former best friend after hearing a rumour that he had slept with his girlfriend has been ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe heard that Nathan James Bargewell had been close friends with the man for a number of years before they fell out.

Prosecutor Rachael Dodsworth said the pair argued because of allegations that the man slept with Bargewell’s girlfriend.

She said the pair had made up to some extent, but on April 4 Bargewell, 23, of Waterloo Terrace in Shildon, confronted the man in the street in his home town accusing him of making comments behind his back.

Ms Dodsworth said Bargewell grabbed the man by the throat before punching him several times in the face.

On April 19 Bargewell again confronted the man in the street and feigned to punch him causing the man to jerk his head back resulting in his glasses falling to the floor.

The court heard that Bargewell’s victim is out of prison on a licence and feared he would be sent back to jail if he retaliated.

In a statement read to the court by Ms Dodsworth, the victim said he wants to move on with his life, but feels victimised by Bargewell.

No mitigation was offered and magistrates gave Bargewell a community order with 12 months supervision.

Bargewell, who admitted two charges of assault by beating, was also ordered to pay £85 costs, a £60 victim surcharge and £100 compensation.