A marriage between two train conductors hit the buffers when a new love interest arrived on the scene, a court heard.

Crawley magistrates heard yesterday Mark Jordan, 27, assaulted Robert Reddy after Jordan's wife Heidi, 22, formed a close friendship with him.

Richard Lynn, prosecuting, said: "In August, the defendant left the home to go to live with his parents but on the 18th returned to collect some belongings.

"Mr Reddy was in the house when Jordan returned. The police were called after Jordan pushed Mr Reddy and punched him twice in the face. He was cut and bruised and went to Crawley Hospital for treatment but no stitches were needed."

Jordan pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Reddy at the former matrimonial home in Blake Close, Tilgate.

Tony Hamnet, defending, said: "There were three people in the marriage. Mr Reddy was a frequent visitor to the house and he and Mrs Jordan were involved in a clandestine relationship."

He said divorce proceedings had now begun.

Magistrates said because he had been provoked, Jordan, now of Summerley Avenue, Reigate, would be given a conditional discharge for a year.

He was ordered to pay £55 costs and £25 compensation to the victim.