TWO men who forced their way into a neighbour’s Worcester home last Boxing Day and attacked him and his dog have been spared jail sentences.

Steven Evans was punched and struck with a metal pole in his hallway in front of his partner and 15-year-old son.

He was assaulted after complaints were made by people living in Liverpool Road about the rowdy behaviour of David Amos and Martin Craven in the street.

The victim’s dog was also hit with the pole – wielded by Craven – but sank its teeth into Amos, who needed hospital treatment for the bite.

Amos, aged 40, of Canterbury Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, and Craven, also 40, of Liverpool Road, Ronkswood, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Evans and causing him actual bodily harm. Craven also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC told the pair that they were “old enough to know better”.

He ruled that injury compensation for the victim – which was asked for by prosecutor Kerry Moreton – was “not appropriate”.

He gave both defendants 12-month community orders and ordered them to pay £250 costs each.

Amos must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and Craven 175 hours.

Miss Moreton told Worcester Crown Court that it was a neighbours’ dispute which got out of hand.

Mr Evans came out of his house and was asked who he was looking at, before going back inside.

Amos then burst in and began throwing punches. Another neighbour frogmarched Craven away but he returned with the pole. He struck Mr Evans with it, which left weal marks on his back and shoulders. The dog was struck on the head.

Miss Moreton said the case costs totalled £1,300 because the men only pleaded guilty on the day of trial.

But Samantha Powis, for Amos, said both his daughters lived at home and he earned up to £330 a week.

She said that problems between the parties involved were now settled.

Sophie Lomas, for Craven, said although he worked in the haulage industry the economic downturn had affected him. He had debts of £40,000.