A MAN has been ordered to pay compensation to his brother after he punched him twice to the back of the head following an argument.

Ashley Duffus, of Stramongate, Kendal, pleaded guilty on the day of trial to assault by beating and attempted theft.

South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard the defendant’s mother called the police on December 16 last year after Duffus went into his brother’s bedroom in an attempt to steal a lockable tin containing bank cards, cash and headphones.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said Duffus – aged 34 - twisted his brother’s neck causing a clicking sound before punching him twice to the back of the head.

The court was told his brother had an MRI scan at Westmorland General Hospital before being taken by ambulance to Royal Lancaster Infirmary later that evening due to a pain in his hand caused by the defendant twisting his neck.

Mr Dacre said the victim was forced to take time off work as a result.

In mitigation Lynsey Oldham said her client had a ‘love-hate' relationship with his brother.

She told the court: “They had an argument the day before which resulted in these offences. He accepts he punched him and that this goes beyond self-defence.

“He has obtained employment working in a kitchen and is earning approximately £1,000 p/m. He is also currently working with social services to try and get contact with his nine-year-old daughter again.

“His life has improved dramatically. These offences occurred on the spur of the moment.”

Magistrates described the offences as ‘quite serious’ when sentencing Duffus to a 12-month community order with one requirement of completing 135 hours of unpaid work.

They also imposed a 12-month restraining order and ordered that Duffus pay £100 in compensation to his brother.

In addition, he was ordered to pay court costs of £200 and a £114 surcharge.