A COURT handed a man a bill for £525 yesterday after he forced his way into another person's house and punched him on the nose.

Geoffrey Lund, 43, who has waste recycling contracts with North Yorkshire County Council, pleaded guilty at Harrogate to assault and criminal damage and was fined a total of £300 with costs of £125 and compensation of £100 to the victim of his attack, Michael Chapman.

Lund, of Brewerton Street, Knaresborough, was told by magistrate Nancy Scruton his actions "must have been a frightening experience'' for people who were in the house in Station Road, Goldsborough.

Peter Scott, prosecuting, said it had been after midnight on October 13 when Lund paid his call.

The day before, his partner Sally Barclay had walked out on him and gone to stay with her niece Sarah Barclay and her partner Mr Chapman.

Lund, who had drunk beer and brandy, was told to go home, but he went round the back of the house and banged so hard on the door that the lock smashed. He entered the house to confront his partner.

Mr Scott said: "When Mr Chapman intervened he was punched to the left side of his face for his sins and ended up with a sore nose.''

Mohammed Rafiq, for Lund, said he had already paid £100 to have the door repaired and was now remorseful. He was also reunited with Ms Barclay.