AN attacker who lashed his victim with a metal dog chain during an attack has escaped a prison sentence.

Peter Gilbert suffered a dislocated shoulder and cuts and bruises after David Mountford, 21, launched the attack in September last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mountford was out walking with his Staffordshire bull terrier when he came across Mr Gilbert and his girlfriend Alex Thompson.

Robert Woodcock, prosecuting, said: "This incident occured from a coincidence when Mr Gilbert and Miss Thompson were walking home after a night out and this defendant was walking his dog.

"Miss Thompson took private offence to something this defendant had done, which she claimed was the ill treatment of his dog and passed comment to Mr Gilbert.

"The defendant overheard the comment and became involved in an altercation with Miss Thompson."

The court heard how Mountford made two attempts to entice his dog to join in the attack, but failed as the dog sat quietly by the victims.

Mr Woodcock told the court how Mr Gilbert, 24, suffered a dislocated right shoulder, cuts and grazes to his head and cuts above his eyebrows.

Miss Thompson suffered a loosened tooth, bruises to her arms and a cut above her left eye.

Tony Davis, defending, said: "This was not a premeditated attack and he feels bitterly remorseful for the injuries he caused."

Judge David Wood ordered Mountford, from Swalwell, in Gateshead, who admitted wounding with intent and assault, to carry out 150 hours of community punishment and to pay £100 compensation to each of the victims.