AN Ellesmere Port man who was punched and headbutted by his attacker retaliated by getting a hammer from his home and smashing his attacker's windows.

Daniel Lunn, 45, of Richmond Court, admitted causing criminal damage to the glazed windows at the Kenwick Close home of James Davies, 32, as well as possession of a hammer and possessing cannabis, while Davies admitted assault by beating.

Both Lunn and Davies appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, March 8, and were dealt with separately.

Each of them received a 7pm-7am curfew – Lunn for eight weeks, Davies for 12 weeks.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds said it was on February 19 when witnesses saw Davies punching Lunn four or five times and headbutting him, causing Lunn to stumble backwards.

Adrian Evans, defending Lunn, said Lunn was walking his dog when approached by Davies, who asked him for a light.

When Lunn said he didn't have one on him, Davies became abusive and threw punches, causing significant bruising.

But in retaliation, Lunn went back to his home, changed out of his flip-flops into other footwear and grabbed the first thing that came to hand, which happened to be a hammer.

He used the hammer to smash the windows.

"He has not done himself any favours," Mr Evans told the court.

Both had pleaded guilty to their offences at the earliest opportunity.

The court heard in Davies's defence he had schizophrenia and his last conviction was in 2008.

As well as the curfews, both defendants must pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

The hammer and cannabis confiscated from Lunn was to be forfeited and destroyed.