A man had his legs squashed between two cars during a heated argument with his girlfriend's former partner.

Worthing Magistrates Court heard how William Hibbert, 41, had the new boyfriend pinned by his legs between the two vehicles.

Unemployed Hibbert, of Eagles Chase, Littlehampton, had failed to come to terms with the breakdown of the 14-year relationship.

The court heard he had become obsessed that his former partner had been having an affair.

He confronted her and her new boyfriend on July 22 this year in Wick Farm Road, Littlehampton, and started verbally abusing them.

The argument escalated as his ex-girlfriend slapped Hibbert across the face and her new boyfriend thumped his car.

Magistrates heard that, as Hibbert went to drive off, he squashed the boyfriend between their two cars.

Peter Lytle, prosecuting, said: "The new partner had his legs pinned between his front tyre and the other car. Fortunately, he only suffered severe bruising."

Jane Macdougall, defending, said: "Mr Hibbert was extremely agitated and drove off to get out of the area."

She said relations between all three had got "significantly better" since the argument.

Hibbert, who pleaded guilty to criminal damage and assault by beating, was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge.

He was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation and £118 in costs.