A WHITEHAVEN woman and her husband got into a heated confrontation with another couple after she was given an unexpectedly potent drug which left her seriously ill.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Paul Sim, 49, and 40-year-old Samantha Sim - who are now separated - admitted affray.

Prosecutor Beccy McGregor outlined how Samantha Sim had been a friend with a local woman who lived nearby and who later told police that the defendant had asked her for drugs.

Text messages made it clear there was an exchange of drugs but an argument arose because of the quality of the substance supplied to Sim, said Miss McGregor.

"One text message said that she [Samantha Sim] ended up in hospital due to her consuming the substance given to her," said the lawyer. Another text message from Paul Sim expressed his anger about this.

The situation escalated as the Sims - Paul Sim armed with a length of wood - went to Brayton Road in Whitehaven to confront the couple on April 18, the court heard.

As local children watched, the two couples rowed, though the male partner of the other couple quickly overpowered Paul Sim and used the length of wood against him.

"Neighbours separated the parties," said Miss McGregor, adding that it was a child who had dialled 999 to summon the police.

One witness saw the man shouting at Sim from an upstairs window, and drawing his finger across his throat. The female victim later told police she had found the whole episode very frightening.

The Sims later claimed they were dragged into the couple's house while Paul Sim said he took the wood as self-defence.

Kim Whittlestone, for Paul Sim, from Corkickle, Whitehaven, said he accepted he should not have involved.

"He was quickly overpowered and he was misguided in his actions," she said.

The other man was also aggressive but Sim was determined not to repeated his behaviour.

Miss Whittlestone added: "As a result of this incident they [the Sims] are now separated."

Brendan Burke, for Samantha Sim, said she was left seriously ill and hospitalised after she was given ecstasy.

The couple involved were actively supplying cannabis, but in February Samantha Sim was invited to take what turned out to be ecstasy.

"Things escalated," said Mr Burke. "She's generally a good neighbour."

Passing sentence, Judge Barbara Forrester said it was clear that the affray was out of character for both defendants.

She imposed a two month jail term on Paul Sim, but suspended the sentence for a year.

Samantha Sim, of Brayton Road, Whitehaven, was given a community order, with 10 days of rehabilitation.

Paul Sim must pay a £115 victim surcharge and Paul Sim a £115 surcharge. The judge also imposed a two-year restraining order banning them from contacting the couple they fell out with.