AN ex-husband, his son and his brother have been bound over to keep the peace after allegedly beating his former wife's new husband with sticks.

Farming brothers Trevor and Kenny Skuse, and Kenny's 19-year-old son James Grimshaw, all from Heddington, near Calne, appeared before North Wiltshire magistrates in Chippenham on Monday.

They appeared together with Peter Booton, who is now married to Kenny's former wife Susan, following a fight between the four at the Booton's home.

Amanda Sawetz, prosecuting, said police were called after a report of a fight just after 11pm on August 13.

"When they arrived they were approached by Kenny Skuse who appeared to have severe bruises to his face."

Mrs Sawetz said: "Trevor Skuse told them his brother had been hit by Mr Booten.

"The brothers said they had been driving past the Bootons' home in Stockley Lane when they said they heard a shout and stopped to see what was happening.

"Mr Booton accused Kenny Skuse of killing his dog and then it is alleged he hit him in the face," said Ms Sawetz.

At this point Grimshaw, Kenny's son who works part-time for his mother's pizza business, had arrived on the scene.

Mrs Sawetz said Trevor Skuse alleged Peter Booton hit Mr Grimshaw and then hit his brother again.

In an interview with the police Booton said: "They came with sticks. What was I supposed to do?"

Mrs Sawetz said Booton then removed his shirt and revealed a number of bruises.

She said: "He claimed on that evening the three others attacked him with the sticks after reversing towards him in a car at speed.

"Three white sticks were found by officers at the scene and seized."

Mr Michael Wills defending Booton, said: "He admitted hitting one of them, but says it was in self defence.

"At some point he was hit, with or without sticks.

Most of the marks on his back were consistent with that," he said.

"This was such a mess of people and actions it is very difficult to decide between all four who did what."

Helen Sewell defending the Skuse brothers and James Grimshaw said all three denied hitting Mr Booton at any time with sticks.

All four agreed to be bound over to keep the peace.

Kenny Skuse, 40, and James Grimshaw, both of Audrey Close, Heddington, near Calne, were each bound over, in the sum of £200 each.

Trevor Skuse, 35, of Woolaways Bungalow, Heddington, who has recently started up his own maintenance company, and Peter Booton of Stockley Lane, Heddington, were also bound over in the sum of £200.

jbishop@newswilts.co.uk