A FASHION model was attacked by a jealous stable owner as passions boiled over at an equestrian centre, a court heard.

Christine Tate accused model friend Gina Sassetti of flirting with partner Stephen Gair as he sat in his bathrobe and slippers.

Miss Sassetti, 33, had visited 42-year-old Mr Gair's home with Miss Tate, also 42, after taking to the catwalk at a charity show.

In a jealous rage, the mother-of-two grabbed Miss Sassetti by the hair and, hurled her down stairs into the farmyard below.

She had been close friends with Miss Tate, who lives in a £165,000 farmhouse in Longhirst, Northumberland, for about a year.

Having met Mr Gair, she was happy to go back to his home at the Bowes Manor Equestrian Centre in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, for a drink when invited by the couple.

Miss Tate admitted assault and was given a 12-month conditional discharge at Newcastle Crown Court.

Miss Sassetti, also of Longhirst, Northumberland, said: "I was utterly shocked that she got off so lightly. I was effectively left for dead. I have never flirted with Stephen Gair and everything seemed fine on that night."

Aisha MacDonald, defending, said: "She (Miss Tate)accepts it was a momentary loss of control and she is deeply ashamed and sorry."