Attacker's violent revenge.

A NEIGHBOUR took violent revenge when false rumours spread that he was dating an underage schoolgirl.

Robert Gibson was 25 and with an 18-year-old partner.

But there were whispers going around he was in his 30s and seeing a 13-year-old girl.

And in a rage, Gibson targeted the near neighbour he believed was behind the rumour, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He forced his way into Adam Featherstone's home in Slatyford, landed punches to his body, and kicked him after he had fallen on to a sofa.

Gibson hurled a coffee table at Mr Featherstone's partner before finally leaving, the court was told.

The ordeal left the couple so frightened they wanted to quit the area.

"Mr Featherstone suffered an injury to his shoulder which still gives him pain," John Brennan, prosecuting, said. "The couple have been in touch with the local authority about moving."

Gibson, now living in Pine Street, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, admitted the assault, which happened in May this year.

"There is no excuse for this violence and he accepts that," said Mike Hill, defending. "It may be people had got their facts wrong but he heard Mr Featherstone was the instigator of the rumour and thereafter accepts his behaviour was completely in excusable."

Judge Brian Forster adjourned sentence for more information on Gibson's long-running psychiatric problems and remanded him on bail.

"I am willing to look at that, but I have made no final decision about what will happen," Judge Forster said.

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