A MAN who attacked a close friend in Darlington was spared jail yesterday.

Zak Anthony Foster, 21, of Beeston, Nottingham, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates to using or threatening violence on July 18.

The court heard that he had carried out a persistent attack on his friend, who was not named, who was vulnerable and unable to defend himself.

Magistrates told him that they had taken into account his actions were out of character and that he had shown remorse and guilt.

Foster was also told that if it had not been for the statement from the victim, who had not wanted the prosecution to go ahead, then he would be going to prison.

He was given a 240-hour community punishment order and told to pay £500 compensation and £118 costs