A PENSIONER told last night how he ended up needing hospital treatment after a bust-up with a former mayor.

Only seconds before the start of Stockton Borough Council's full council meeting on Wednesday night, a scuffle broke out at the town hall when Councillor Keith Dobinson appeared to take offence to a comment made by a resident protesting about parking permits.

The incident is being investigated by police, and pensioner George Richardson, 79, yesterday had to undergo hospital treatment for a sprained shoulder, shock and an injured finger.

As a result of the incident, Coun Dobinson has been suspended from the council until the outcome of an investigation is known.

He said: "I am suspended subject to whatever happens with the investigation. I will just have to wait and see.

"I have no comment whatsoever to make about the incident."

Mr Richardson, whose hearing aid was also damaged in the incident, said he was pleased Coun Dobinson had been suspended. He said: "There was a big crowd in front of me wanting to go into the council chamber when somebody said something.

"I ended up with someone on top of me and I could hardly breathe.

"This man has been elected to represent the people on the council and he should act responsibly."

Mr Richardson, who says he is considering pressing charges against Coun Dobinson, also faces having to pay £700 for a new hearing aid.

He said: "How am I supposed to be able to afford that? I wouldn't have minded but it was my first night out in weeks.

"I had not gone to the meeting to be hostile. I just wanted to ask a few questions about the new parking permits.

"It seems I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a disturbance took place and as a result an elderly man suffered a minor injury.

"Police are making enquiries into an alleged assault."