HOT curry was followed by warm words at an outdoor birthday party in August, Kidderminster magistrates heard.

Blows were exchanged after Charles Owen, who was celebrating his 40th birthday, fell out with his neighbours, takeaway owners from whom he had ordered the food for his guests.

The order for Indian food was more than was needed, the takeaway declined to give discount for the surplus and trouble broke out, said his solicitor, Abigail Kingston.

During the skirmish Owen climbed the garden fence in Larkhill, Kidderminster, and was struck over the head and injured, she told the court.

Six other people had appeared in court and had been bound over to keep the peace, Miss Kingston told the magistrates.

Owen admitted making threats of violence and was conditionally discharged for a year on payment of £50 costs.