A man took the law into his own hands when he sought revenge against a gang who were terrorizing people living in Darlington.

John Fletcher, of Salters Lane Terrace, became so aggrieved after a friend was beaten up that he attacked the home of someone he believed was connected with the group.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard that a gang of about 30 youths had been terrorizing residents living in the town's Denes area.

The 24-year-old and his friends were scared of going into the park for fear of being attacked by the group, said Stephen Andrews, defending.

"The group had attacked one of my client's friends and given him a beating, four police cars had to attend that incident," said Mr Andrews.

"Things were effectively getting out of hand, people were beginning to lose patience with the whole situation and ultimately taking the law into their own hands. This is what has happened with this young man.

"He has been subjected to abuse and seen a very good friend take a severe beating.

"The defendant thinks the police did not deal with it appropriately and things were going to get worse rather than better."

The court heard that Fletcher visited a house in the Denes at about 2am on April 17. He threw a brick into the upstairs bedroom window before returning two hours later and throwing bricks and stones at a downstairs window, narrowly missing a female inside.

Prosecuting, Derek Walton, said: "When interviewed by police he had knowledge of the occupants and was carrying out a vendetta towards them.

"The defendant also broke next door's window. He was effectively being reckless.

"The police were called on both occasions and he was traced to a nearby property.

"He had attempted to change his clothing in order not to be detected. Glass samples were taken from him that showed he was present at the scene."

Fletcher pleaded guilty to two offences of damaging windows and one of possessing cannabis. He was fined £50 for each charge and ordered to pay £501.13 in compensation and costs.