A YOUNG father punched a man who he claimed "kerb-crawled" his girlfriend and baby, a court heard yesterday.

Craig Smith, 22, of Middleton Court, Darlington, pleaded guilty to common assault at South Durham Magistrates' Court.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, said Smith began shouting at Andrew Basham as the latter sat in a car in Darlington on July 20.

He said Smith had then opened the car door and swung a punch and his right fist had connected with Mr Basham's mouth.

Mr Basham had suffered cuts to his mouth, Mr Walton said.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, in mitigation, said Smith, his partner and their six-month-old child had suffered harassment from Mr Basham and that a few days before, Mr Basham had kerb-crawled Smith's partner and their baby.

They had complained to police about the incident.

The magistrates accepted that there was a history between the two men and gave Smith a six-month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £30 costs.