A MAN suffered a broken collarbone after a neighbour's dispute over a dog turned to violence, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Martin Westcott was twice knocked to the ground after intervening in a row between his mother and the couple next door. Barbara Westcott had reported to police that a dog owned by Stephen Jones and his partner, Stephanie Broadway, bit her.

Broadway spat in Mr Westcott's face and grabbed his collar before the pair rained blows on him, said Abigail Nixon, prosecuting.

He needed an operation in hospital and was off works for eight weeks recovering.

Jones, 41, and Broadway, 33, both of Blount Terrace, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to affray.

Judge Michael Mott said they had avoided prison by the narrowest margins.

He accused Broadway of being "the worst" of the defendants because she had sworn at the victim and escalated the confrontation.

He fined them £250 each and ordered them to pay Mr Westcott £500 compensation between them. They must also pay £100 court costs each. The judge warned that any repetition of violent behaviour would result in jail.

Nigel Stelling, for Jones, said a combination of frustration and medical problems had caused him to act out of character. He was deeply embarrassed and ashamed and was not likely to repeat such behaviour.

Brett Stevenson, for Broadway, said the neighbours now ignored each other. She was the main breadwinner and had given birth to the couple's child five months ago.