A MAN who was head-butted and had a spade thrown at him was left with two black eyes, a court heard yesterday.

Ian Johnston, 29, of Moray Road, Norton, admitted a charge of assault, occassioning actual bodily harm to Niall Mansoor, at Teesside Crown Court.

Richard Mansell, prosecuting, said Mr Mansoor had been renovating a house near the home of Johnston and on July 4 saw some children he thought were littering his property.

Mr Mansell said Mr Mansoor approached them, but according to Johnston, who was the father of the children, grabbed hold of one of them.

Mr Mansell said Mr Mansoor had a spade in his hand, but it was not suggested that he struck either of the children.

The defendant, he said, ran over, headbutted Mr Mansoor and wrestled the spade from him. He then threw it, hitting Mr Mansoor on the shoulder.

Chris Baker, for Johnston, said his client's son was just four years old at the time and maintained Mr Mansoor had "no right" to take hold of him. He added that Johnston had not intended to hit Mr Mansoor with the spade when he threw it.

Johnston was fined £250 and ordered to pay £500 compensation to his victim.