Family fracas led to attack and apology

A man who attacked his sister’s boyfriend in a family dispute has been spared jail after a judge was told they have patched up their quarrel.

Sean Day kicked and punched Richard Hudson during the argument which happened as his sister Samantha was moving furniture around Sidmouth.

He left him with facial bruising but within days they had sorted out their differences and Mr Hudson went to the police to try to withdraw his complaint.

A judge said he was pleased to hear that ‘everyone was behaving like adults’ and all three are now reconciled.

Day, 34, of Lock Close, Sidmouth, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was ordered to do 140 hours unpaid community work by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court.

He said: “There were problems on both sides and you became very animated about what you perceived as his behaviour towards your sister.

“The way you have both behaved since indicates you are now dealing with issues properly as responsible people. People have started behaving like grown-ups.”

Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the incident happened in Ashley Crescent, Sidmouth, when there was an argument in the street which led to Day becoming distraught.

He kicked and punched Mr Hudson, who was taken to hospital for an X-ray on his cheekbone which showed it was not broken. He said the victim had made a withdrawal statement and said Day has apologised to him.

Mr Nick Bradley, defending, said: “Relations have improved to the extent they are getting on well.”