A MAN who attacked his friend has been ordered to pay £150compensation.

Colin Andrew Hall, 20, of Bedale Hunt, Newton Aycliffe, yesterday admitted assaulting Andrew Bielok, 16.

Sedgefield magistrates heard that Hall became angry when he was asked to leave a friend's house which was becoming overcrowded.

He was restrained by Mr Bielok, amongst others, but then started shouting at him.

Prosecutor Jane Mitford said: "At that point Mr Hall punched him in the face. As a result Mr Bielok was pushed backwards.

"He doesn't remember hitting the floor so he presumes his friends must have caught him as he fell."

She said Hall appeared to calm down again, but added: "At this point he grabbed him, throwing him around and this happened several times.

"It culminated in Mr Hall punching Mr Bielok several times and poking him in the eye."

Mr Bielok's injuries included a bruised cheek, bruising and swelling to the bridge of his nose, which was bleeding, a swollen eye and marks on the side of his neck.

Lyanne Steinberg, defending, said: "My client is very embarrassed and remorseful.

"He still maintains that one of the younger boys was verbally abusive towards him. That is what sparked off the argument, which then sparked off the fight between himself and Andrew."

Hall was ordered to pay £150 compensation and £55 prosecution costs.