A TEENAGER attacked the ex-boyfriend of his 14-year-old sister because he believed he had given her Ecstasy, a court heard yesterday.

Stephen Holmes was assaulted at his home in Darlington in January by James Rance, South Durham Magistrates' Court was told.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said Mr Holmes had heard rumours that Rance, 18, was looking for him to have a fight after he had gone out with his sister for two days.

"There is some suggestion that the reason for this was that Mr Holmes had given her Ecstasy tablets," said Mr Thomas. "Mr Holmes said that was not the case."

He said Rance and his friend David Britton, 19, both of Egglestone View, went to the house and a fight started.

The court heard that Rance had admitted assault on November 4 and was fined £75 with £50 costs.

Britton admitted affray yesterday and was fined £50 plus £50 costs.

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said his client was un aware of antipathy between Mr Holmes and Rance and had got drawn into the melee.