A SPURNED lover who attacked his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend has today been spared prison after an Ipswich court decided he posed no threat to the community.

A SPURNED lover who attacked his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend has today been spared prison after an Ipswich court decided he posed no threat to the community.

Gary Murton said he used a radio to spy on his ex-girlfriend before he attacked her and kicked David Elliott in the head.

It was on April 1 this year that Murton burst into the house, in Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, and saw Mr Elliott kissing his ex-partner, Carol Newson.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard that Ms Newson told police she had separated from Murton three months before the attack and he had taken the split badly, becoming jealous of her having other lovers.

The 42-year-old, of Belstead Avenue, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and assault.

Andrea Reynolds, prosecuting, said: “At 5pm he (Murton) turned up and threw a radio on the sofa.

“Miss Newson asked if he had been listening to them and he said yes.

“He then grappled with Mr Elliott, pulled Carol Newson's hair and got to his feet before kicking Mr Elliott in the head.”

Michael Stephenson, mitigating, said: “He accepts he acted inappropriately and has gone over the incident several times in his head.

“He shows remorse and is ashamed of his violent behaviour.”

Magistrates gave Murton an eight-week prison sentence but suspended it for 12 months. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and told to pay £250 compensation to Mr Elliott and £100 compensation to Miss Newson. He was also told to pay £60 court costs.