A row between families ended up in Skipton Magistrates' Court when it was witnessed by a neighbour.

Thomas Grant Fazackerley, 41, was arrested at his home after he was seen apparently threatening John Naylor in Park Crescent, Hellifield with an iron bar, the court heard.

Fazackerley, who was also wearing a scarf covering his face, was witnessed by a neighbour on October 28 shouting and swearing at Mr Naylor before getting in his car and driving off, the court was told.

The police were called and went to Fazackerley’s house where he handed over a tyre lever and baseball cap and scarf.

Prosecuting, Caroline Midgley said Fazackerley, of Cornmill Place, Barnoldswick, was a man of good character and it was a sensitive family matter. She added that Mr Naylor had made it very clear to police that he did not want Fazackerley arrested or charged.

Fazackerley, who admitted threatening behaviour, had been delivering a bike to Mr Naylor and the bar was a cycle lever, the court was told in mitigation. He had been wearing a hat and scarf, because it was cold and not to shield his identity.

Defence solicitor Glen Maude said a situation had arisen between the men’s partners, who were cousins, and there had been an exchange of “unpleasant” text messages.

Sentencing was adjourned until January 24 for reports and Fazackerley, a chef, was allowed bail on the condition he did not not contact Mr Naylor or enter Hellifield.