A jealous 54-year-old man who ambushed his love rival in a snicket, punching him to the ground and kicking him in the stomach, has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Bradford Crown Court heard that grandad Brian Nelson lost his temper when he saw former girlfriend Jeanette Matthews out with another man.

Nelson twice attacked Glen Ridehalgh in the Old White Bear pub in Cross Hills on May 26 last year.

He then followed the couple along Holme Lane in the village and jumped out on Mr Ridehalgh causing cuts and bruising to his face and injuries to his body and hand, the court heard yesterday.

Nelson, of Cross Hills Road, Cononley, near Skipton, also knocked Miss Matthews over.

He at first called Mr Ridehalgh and Miss Matthews liars. He then pleaded guilty to two offences of common assault on Mr Ridehalgh and an offence of causing him actual bodily harm.

Nelson admitted common assault on Miss Matthews and witness intimidation.

Nelson’s barrister, Michael Greenhalgh, said he thought he was still in a relationship with Miss Matthews at the time.

Judge Peter Benson sentenced Nelson to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a 12-month community order.

He must do 120 hours of unpaid work and pay Mr Ridehalgh £250 compensation.