A HUSBAND was beaten unconscious and his wife left with a serious eye injury when a disagreement between neighbours erupted into violence.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the relationship between the family of Vincent McGill and John and Elizabeth Crawford deteriorated to such an extent that the Crawford's installed security cameras at their home in Aintree Court, Darlington.

Shaun Dodds , prosecuting, said that on May 1 last year, Mr and Mrs Crawford went to a barbecue at a nearby friend's house at which youngsters began having a food fight.

Some of the food landed in McGill's garden. He responded by throwing a metal chair over a fence. An argument followed.

Later, McGill, 40, broke into the Crawfords' flat.

Mr Dodds said McGill "rained blows" on Mr Crawford, rendering him unconscious, while a co-accused, 21-year-old Michael Alexander, also landed a punch.

Mrs Crawford went to help her husband and received a heavy blow to the back of the head.

McGill admitted two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court was told that as part of the conditions of his bail, McGill had spent several months living away from his family.

McGill received a 240-hour community punishment order and was ordered to pay £800 compensation.

Alexander, also of Aintree Court, who admitted affray, received a 120-hour community punishment order and was ordered to pay £200 compensation.