A thug grabbed a man by the throat and then repeatedly punched him as he went to pay for petrol, a court was told.

Trevor Fearon, 29, of Brown Street, Workington, pleaded guilty to common assault when he appeared at Workington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The offence happened just after 12.30am on June 29 at the Euro Garages at Lillyhall, Workington.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the victim, Richard Hardy, had filled his vehicle with petrol and was walking towards the door of the shop to pay.

Fearon was one of a group of men stood by the door. Mr Hardy told him he did not want any trouble and was just getting petrol, the court heard.

He had tried to walk past them into the shop, when Fearon "grabbed him by the throat and repeatedly punched him".

The court was shown CCTV footage of the attack.

A victim personal statement read out on behalf of Mr Hardy said: "This unprovoked attack caused me to have a panic attack during the incident.

"When I know I have to leave the house, I have a panic attack.

"I'm glad there was CCTV and it was in public. I fear he may have ended my life.

"I'm not coping very well knowing they could see me and do this again. I don't think he is going to stop trying to ruin my life."

John Cooper, defending, said there had been an ongoing feud between the two men, who had known each other "for a significant period of time."

Mr Cooper said: "He just happened to be at the garage at the same time. He had gone on that day to pick up some items from that garage.

"This is a one-off incident. There have been no further problems. He was very remorseful and told police he had done it straightaway.

"He very clearly said it was his fault. He knows he has done wrong."

A report read out on behalf of Fearon's probation officer said: "The victim has been harassing his family and he ended up bumping into him at the garage. There was no prior planning."

Passing sentence, lead magistrate, David Hendry, said: "Anyone seeing that video would be alarmed. We understand there has been an ongoing feud, which clearly isn't good for anyone, even if it doesn't reach court.

"We consider this a prolonged attack. This man was minding his own business. He has had psychological problems. You don't get beaten up and feel ok.

"This kind of thing can't be allowed. This is quite a nasty event. I strongly recommend that you turn the page."

Fearon was given a community order with a curfew to run from 7pm to 7am, for 10 weeks.

A 12-month restraining order was imposed and Fearon must not contact Richard Hardy by any means, or go to a named address.

He must also pay £150 compensation to Mr Hardy, £85 costs and a £95 surcharge to fund victim services.