A tetchy relationship between two brothers who had lived together in the same house for 10 years became violent when one of them returned from the pub.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how Craig Richardson attacked his brother and punched him repeatedly to the head and body.

The court was told the assault went on and on and only ended when Richardson ran out of steam and had to sit down.

Richardson, 59, of Blackamoor Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting his brother Kevin Richardson.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months alcohol treatment requirement and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also fined £20 and ordered to pay £150 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Rafih Khan, prosecuting, said the brothers had inherited the house they shared from their parents.

The victim said their relationship was bearable although they wound each other up and stood on each other’s toes.

“He said they had arguments and this had been going on for years,” said Mr Khan.

On the night of the incident Kevin was standing in the kitchen when his brother returned from the pub about 9pm.

“He came through the door and immediately grabbed his brother by the head and then started punching him repeatedly,” said Mr Khan.

“The incident continued into the front room where Kevin curled up into a ball on the sofa trying to protect himself.

The defendant eventually had to stop punching his brother because he was exhausted and had to sit down.”

Richardson, who was not represented, said since the incident in January he had stopped drinking and had not been with his brother and as a result was feeling much better.