A MAN who insulted a woman and then attacked her husband with a bottle has been ordered to pay £2,000 compensation.

James Farnaby, 20, attacked Dean Barratt, 30, at a bus stop in Hartlepool.

As the men exchanged punches Farnaby picked up a bottle and hit Mr Barratt over the head. He also tore a tendon in Mr Barratt's hand.

David Brooke, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that Mr Barratt's wife chased Farnaby away and he was arrested hours later at Hartlepool General Hospital when he sought treatment for a cut hand.

Rod Hunt, defending, said it was refreshing to see someone own up to the full facts of a crime and to say he was deeply sorry. Farnaby accepted that he should not have insulted Mrs Barratt.

Judge Guy Whitburn QC told Farnaby: "Your good character saves you from a substantial period in a young offenders' institution.

"You picked up a bottle and you used it with devastating effect on him. You can pay a sum but it is only going to be partial compensation."

Farnaby of Braeborn Gardens, Middlesbrough, was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation and £500 in court costs. He was also ordered to do a 150 hours community punishment.

He admitted causing grievous bodily harm on December 21 last year in Church Street, Hartlepool.