A Bridgwater man launched an attack on his love rival when he spotted him with his ex girlfriend and “saw red”, a court heard.

Gavin Davies, 24, broke his knuckles after punching Luke Hensley several times to the head, while he was waiting at a fast-food outlet in the High Street.

And friend Bradley Stuart Peter Jefcoate, 27, also threw a punch at Mr Hensley - but missed - on November 13.

Sedgemoor Magistrates’ Court heard the pair had spotted Mr Hensley with Samantha Lozowski, who had been Davies’ girlfriend of seven years until nine months ago.

Prosecuting, Sarah Rhodes said staff at Pizza Choice threw the pair out of the premises and Jefcoate shouted at Mr Hensley: “I know you. I know your face” and said he was to going to attack him.

He later told police he did not know Mr Hensley, but recognised Ms Lozowski as Davies’ ex girlfriend.

Defending Davies, James Mumford said his client became angry when the couple called him and said they had been sleeping together while Ms Lozowski and Davies were in a relationship.

He said: ”Quite simply he saw red because of what he would say was a fairly substantial provocation.”

Defending Jefcoate, Paul Light said his client had had a row with his girlfriend and got carried away.

Jefcoate, of East Street, Cannington, pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive behaviour. Davies, of Alfoxton Road, Bridgwater, admitted assault.

Both got 18 months conditional discharge and were ordered to pay £85 in costs. Davies was also ordered to pay £150 in compensation.