A Chippenham man ended up wrestling with his brother over texts allegedly sent to his ex, a court heard.

George White, 21, got into an argument with the man at his friend’s house in Chippenham, where the brother was staying, on April 29.

Prosecutor Ben Worthington told Swindon Magistrates’ Court: “They started, really, having a wrestle outside in the street. This Mr White puts the other Mr White in a headlock. The police come by and happen to catch them in the act.”

Had White admitted the assault when he was interviewed by officers he would likely have bee cautioned, the court was told. He answered no comment to questions put to him.

However, appearing before the court on Monday afternoon, White, of Westcroft, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Moses Taiwo, defending, described the incident as a brotherly disagreement that got out of control. His brother had tried to contact him since the assault, although he had not picked up the calls fearing he would be in breach of police bail conditions. He had no previous convictions.

White was given a six-month conditional discharge. District Judge Joanna Dickens said: “It’s really unfortunate that you are in court for this.”

He must pay a £22 victim surcharge.