A MAN attacked the mother of his five children with a yard brush after returning home drunk, a court heard yesterday.

Darlington magistrates were told that Michael Eyles, of Trafford Street, Darlington hit Barbara Smith over the head after she rejected his advances.

The court heard the couple had been in a relationship for 14 years and had suffered problems due to Eyles' drinking.

Toby Thomas, prosecuting, said: "He picked up the yard brush with both hands and brought it down hard on the back of her head. She felt blood rushing down her neck."

Chris Bunting, defending, said his client had thrown the yard brush and it had hit Miss Smith.

He said: "Miss Smith was quite right to say Mr Eyles was reluctant to do anything about his alcohol problem. In the intervening weeks he has sought some assistance. He is trying to sort out his problems."

Magistrates gave Eyles a 12-month conditional discharge.