A family who starred in the hit TV series Wife Swap watched their own reality drama of a Bradford estate unfold in a courtroom today.

Bradford builder Vaughan Mitchell, 21, was watched by his mother Donna and her partner Gary from the public gallery as he sat in the dock behind a glass screen at Hull Crown Court after admitting grevious bodily harm.

He appeared facing a possible 12-month jail sentence for attacking a neighbour. He sat side by side with two friends who admitted also taking part in the violence.

In an episode of the Channel 4 series, Wife Swap, screened in May, successful Derbyshire businesswoman Michelle Elizabeth, 34, moved in for a week to taste life among the Mitchells - a family of five headed by a care worker and a jobless plasterer.

The Mitchells' eldest son Vaughan lived in a caravan in the family garden with his pregnant girlfriend.

But, last July, Vaughan Mitchell was holding a brick outside the family's home in Griffhead Road when a brawl unfolded, the court was told.

Vaughan, now of Bradford Road, Wyke, pleaded guilty along with two others to assaulting neighbour Lee Mitchell (no relation) who received a double fracture to the jaw. Vaughan Mitchell also admitted threatening behaviour to Lee's father Stuart Mitchell, who, he butted twice.

Prosecutor Nick Askins said that the Wyke estate where the Mitchells live had a reputation for violence breaking out among young men who drank a lot and it had a domino effect of sparking violence in others.

He said that on the night of the offences Vaughan Mitchell was in his home with two pals drinking and watching football when they heard trouble and went outside.

Mr Askins said the group were standing when Lee Mitchell, who had also been drinking, had gone out to help a friend, Richard Fenton, who had been assaulted. Lee Mitchell was then attacked from behind when he said: "Do you want some?"

Mr Askins said: "He was attacked by a number of men including each of the defendants. He was hit and kicked with a cricket bat, feet and a brick. He received a double fracture to the jaw. Vaughan Mitchell kicked him. He had a brick in his hand, but we cannot say if he hit him with that."

Lee Mitchell's father then came outside shouting: "Leave my son alone," said Mr Askins. "Vaughan Mitchell attacked Stuart Mitchell by head-butting him twice."

Defence barrister Emma Browning admitted Vaughan Mitchell had a conviction for public disorder in 1999, but since the latest incident he had stayed out of trouble. She said he was now working for a construction firm earning £1,000 a month. She said the family had been rocked by his brother's suicide last month.

Co-accused David Marshall, 27, of Carr Street, Brighouse and Stephen Wright, 20 of St Mary's Close, Bradford, also admitted charges of grevious bodily harm and threatening behaviour.

Recorder Eric Elliot, QC, said he had considered prison sentences of between 12 and 18 months and only the skill of their counsel had changed his mind All three were given 12-month suspended prison sentences, ordered to pay £1,250 compensation and £250 costs and must complete 100 hours unpaid work for the community.

Speaking outside court Vaughan Mitchell said he was pleased to have been spared jail.