Joseph Iceton launched a foul-mouthed tirade on Christmas Eve last year after a long-running fued with his next-door neighbour.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to a public order offence of harassing Jo Perry-Milburn.

North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard that Ms Perry-Milburn went outside on December 24 last year to move her car to make way for her parents car who would be arriving the next day.

But when Iceton - who the court heard works as an apprentice - saw this he flew into a rage and threatened the woman.

Iceton, whose mother is a North Tyneside Council probation officer, then raced outside the house, in Briar Vale, The Laurels, West Monkseaton, and threatened the neighbour.

Lynn Russell, prosecuting, said: "At 1.45pm Ms Perry-Milburn went to move her car from her bay in preperation for her parents coming the next day.

"He was in his kitchen window staring at her.

"It made her feel uneasy but she ignored it and moved her car.

"She noticed him coming out of his house shouting abuse.

"He said 'What's your f***ing problem?'

"She replied that she didn't know what he was talking about and he said 'I'm going to cave your f***ing head in'.

"She got back into her house and he continued to shout abuse.

"He accepts that he behaved in a way that caused her distress."

Iceton's solicitor Mark Harrison told magistrates that since the incident his client's mother had put the house up for sale but a buyer had not yet been found.

He said: "The family just want this over. It has been a disaster for them.

"He habitually used the parking bay as his own.

"He perceived, rightly or wrongly, that she was leaving her bay clear and using his."

Iceton, who had no previous convictions, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £80 costs.

Chairwoman of the bench Sue Sinton said: "If you commit any offence in the next 12 months you will be brought back to court and this matter can be looked at again as well as any new offences.

"This is not a let off. I don't expect to see you back here again."

Magistrates heard that civil proceedings involving environmental health against Iceton, of Briar Vale, The Laurels, West Monkseaton, were ongoing.