A dispute between next-door neighbours erupted into violence, a court heard.

Martin Smith, 39, of Harolde Close, Barton, was fined on Monday for his part in the fracas. Oxford Crown Court was told that Smith, who pleaded guilty to one count of affray, got sucked into a disagreement between the Doheney and the Hall families, of Fettiplace Road, Barton, on August 5 last year.

Anthony McGeorge, prosecuting, said the Doheneys had accused neighbour Christian Hall of telling Social Services they left their children on their own. He added the Doheneys came to the Halls' home and assaulted son Jamie, 17. Christian Hall returned home to find 50 people outside his house.

"Jamie Hall, realising some of these people were after his father armed himself with a metal bar and went out intending to protect him," Mr McGeorge said.

Smith then punched him "in self-defence" and chased him round the back of the house and threatened him. Judge Paul Clark fined Smith £250 and ordered him to pay £750 costs, plus £100 compensation to Jamie Hall. A second charge of affray, which Smith had denied, was ordered to lie on file.

Christopher and Thomas Doheney and Dorothy and Helen Geddes, who were also charged with affray, have fled to Ireland, the court heard.