A ROW between two friends from Chirk during an online gaming session ended with one of them in court facing an assault charge.

Jason Lee Williams drove round to Matthew Fleet’s home in a fit of pique after some reckless comments were aimed at his family while both men were gaming against each other in their separate properties.

Williams grabbed Mr Fleet by the throat and punched him leaving him with marks to his face, a black eye and a swollen cheek and finger as well as a split lip.

Williams, 27, of Trevor Road, Chirk, admitted assault on April 30.

Andy Holliday, defending at Wrexham Magistrates Court, said the two men had been close friends since childhood.

“It’s a really sad case as they are part of a group of young people who have grown up together and who have gone to each other’s weddings.

“They were very good friends playing online games and then fell out. He (Fleet) brought Mr Williams’ children up in conversation.

“There had been a custody battle that was so stressful that he (Williams) attempted to take his own life.

“The comments enraged Mr Fleet so much that he jumped into his car and went around. He lost his head.”

Wrexham Magistrates Court heard a glowing reference from Williams’ employer, Nicholas Williams, who attended in person.

Magistrates fined Williams £369 and ordered he pay £200 compensation to his victim along with costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £36.