A MAN assaulted his cousin after he became jealous about a previous relationship the relative had with his girlfriend, a court heard yesterday.

Michael William Wanless admitted assaulting his cousin, Andrew Prior, when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Wanless had been drinking with his partner and Mr Prior on October 4, last year.

Wanless, 24, of Tom Raine Court, Darlington, became jealous when he found out Mr Prior had previously been in a relationship with his girlfriend.

Wanless punched Mr Prior, giving him a black eye.

Lucy Shuttleworth, mitigating, said: "Alcohol was a feature in this incident, but it is not a problem that he has been identified with. He is not a regular or prevalent drinker."

Wanless, who also admitted four charges of failing to answer to bail, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £25 compensation.