Former boxing champion Cameron Lithgow appeared in court for punching his friend's neighbour.

The ex-light-middleweight, who used to represent England, pleaded guilty to common assault against Peter Curlis.

A Swindon Crown Court judge said a punch from Lithgow, 40, would be enough to make anyone fall down. The assault happened on March 25 when Lithgow was at his friend's house drinking alcohol.

Defending, Eleanor Laws said: "His friend was drunk and rather aggressive but none of the police officers who attended described my client as drunk."

His friend's neighbour, Mr Curlis, came over to the house and began shouting, claiming Lithgow's friend had frightened his wife by throwing a bottle.

Miss Laws said: "Mr Curlis went around in a very angry mood and had a row where there were punches thrown. Mr Lithgow came out of the house and saw his friend being hit and trying to push Mr Curlis away. He threw a punch and went back in.

"Having over-reacted he did the sensible thing by going inside and not acting further."

Lithgow, who has a girlfriend and three children by her but lives with his parents in Dunsford Close, Okus, was sentenced to 80 hours community service. He was also ordered to pay £100 in costs.

The probation officer thought there was a low risk of him reoffending.

Judge John McNaught told the former boxer: "You know how to punch people and you landed him one good punch. The man fell down as expected from a punch from a man like you."

Lithgow's sporting career began at Park Youth Amateur Boxing Club, and at the age of 16 he won the junior national title in the 54-kilo class. He now works at Rover as a press operator.