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National
David Huntley

County Durham man hit brother over head with piece of wood amid family dispute

A man hit his brother over the head with a piece of wood amid a family dispute.

Luke Harriman carried out the assault in full view of passers-by on December 8, 2020.

The 33-year-old pulled up alongside his brother in his van and got out and confronted him before picking up a piece of wood and hitting him over the head with it.

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The assault was instigated by a previous alleged incident involving the mother of both men.

Harriman, of Park Wood Avenue, Bearpark, County Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for affray.

He pleaded guilty to the single charge during the hearing.

Deborah Smithies, prosecuting, said the victim was standing on Seaside Lane in Easington, when Harriman drove past in his van.

"He saw his brother and got out of the van and went towards him", she said.

The court heard there was then an altercation between the two, which stemmed from "some trouble in the family, days earlier".

Ms Smithies said the victim had allegedly "punched his mother in the face" and police had been called.

Harriman then decided to confront his brother as he was "in the vicinity" of his mum's home at the time of the offence.

During the altercation, Harriman "picked up some wood and hit him in the head once".

The victim sustained injuries to the top of his head as a result of the assault.

Harriman, a gas engineer, was later arrested, but told officers he had been "defending himself".

In mitigation, Susannah Proctor, said Harriman was "lightly convicted".

He had one previous conviction for criminal damage, dating back to 2018.

Judge Ray Singh, said there was "background" between the two brothers, but said Harriman had "accepted" his behaviour "left an awful lot to be desired"

"You should be embarrassed and ashamed of yourself", he added.

Harriman was given a six month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also given a three month electronic curfew, between 8pm and 6am.

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