An attacker who punched and stole from a man in his own home has been spared prison.
Luke Brice turned up at the victim's flat in Houghton-le-Spring in March 2021 asking for a cigarette. When the victim turned to go back inside, he was followed by Brice, who shouted "don't sell on my patch", adding "where's the green, where's the money".
Newcastle Crown Court heard he then punched the man in the face and tried to hit him again but the blow struck his hand. He and his accomplice began searching the flat and the victim tried to leave but was pulled back inside. However he then managed to escape and flagged down a passing police car.
