A MAN was shot in the throat with a crossbow when a disagreement over a nuisance dog erupted into violence, a court has heard.

Allan Spensley is alleged to have fired a crossbow bolt into the neck of his nephew, Kenny Beal, after turning up at his home in the early hours.

Mr Spensley, 43, is also said to have started a fire in the doorway and told Mr Beal and his wife, Leanne: "You're lucky I've got no petrol left as I would have burnt you to the ground."

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that Mr Spensley said: "You have come to the house three times now about the dog. You won't come again because I'll f***ing kill you."

Mr Spensley denies charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and arson with intent to endanger life on September 24 last year.

The court heard that the row related to a Staffordshire bull terrier cross-breed called Butch, which had been keeping the Beals awake at night and causing damage to their caravan.

The Beals were living in the £11,400 caravan on land at Pilkington Way, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, while their house in nearby William Street was being renovated.

Mr Spensley, who lived a few doors away in William Street, is said to have taken exception to his nephew asking him to keep the dog in at night because it was scratching the bottom of the caravan.

It is alleged he armed himself with a crossbow and went to confront Mr Beal at about 5.30am.

Mr Beal, 25, who works as a roofer, told the jury he was woken by banging on the caravan door, and as soon as he opened it he was shot in the throat.

Mrs Beal told the court that burning rugs and a diesel barrel were then thrown into the caravan.

She put her bleeding husband in her car and took him to hospital in Bishop Auckland before he was transferred to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where he spent five days in the high-dependency unit.

The Beals were both cross-examined by defence barrister Chris Baker, who claimed Mr Beal was a bully who intimidated his uncle and had convictions for dishonesty and violence.

Mr Baker suggested widower Mr Spensley had fired one bolt into the side of the caravan, when his nephew came to the door and threatened to "send you to the same place as your wife".

It was alleged that Mr Spensley fired a second bolt after Mr Beal had gone back inside to arm himself with an ornamental sword.

The trial continues.