A MAN who struck a neighbour with a hammer in a row over money owed to his partner has been spared jail.

Christopher Buckell, 33, hit the neighbour on the head with the implement after both men had got involved in the dispute involving their respective partners.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Buckell’s intervention came after his girlfriend fought with a woman she believed owed her money, which led in turn to the girlfriend being confronted by the victim.

Buckell admitted affray and possession of an offensive weapon on August 6 last year.

Andrew Teate, mitigating, said the defendant, who has 22 criminal convictions, had lost his job as a result of the attack and now existed on benefits.

Recorder Felicity Davies gave Buckell, of Tebay Close, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, a 12 month community order which will include supervision from the probation service.