What started out as a farewell drink for a man who had been staying with a couple at their home turned into a tussle between the two men, with injuries to them and their guest, Truro magistrates heard.

It was when his partner told him that their relationship was over that Andrew Michael Webber became upset after drinking.

At Truro Magistrates’ Court, Webber, 31, now living in Launceston, but previously living with his partner in Penryn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Daniel McMahon and Terri Collins.

Gail Hawkley, for the CPS, said the couple had been in a relationship for over three years and Mr McMahon had been staying with them for a few weeks. At one time Webber had accused Ms Collins of having an affair with Mr McMahon.

On September 19, Webber had gone to their home with a bottle of Jack Daniels as a farewell drink for Mr McMahon who was leaving the area the following day.

Things started to go wrong after the bottle was emptied. Webber became emotional and got upset with Ms Collins and she told him she no longer wished to be with him.

“He flew at Mr McMahon, grabbing him round the throat”, said Ms Hawkley. Mr McMahon punched him in self defence and the two fell to the ground in a tussle.

Ms Collins tried to break them up and a blow Webber aimed at Mr McMahon hit her in the eye. He stopped after she asked him to.

Polly Morley, for Webber, said he accepted he had initiated the incident by grabbing Mr McMahon around the neck when he was told his relationship was over with Ms Collins.

He had mental health issues but had made significant improvements.

Webber, who had previous convictions, was given a 12 months prison sentence suspended for two years, with an alcohol treatment requirement and a building better relationships programme.

A restraining order was made |preventing him from contacting Ms Collins except for child care reasons through Social Services. He had to pay £230 costs and surcharge.