Drunken brawl like a Wild West scene

The magistrates were told that Steven Jones, aged 39, of Teme Road, Worcester, turned the streets into a "scene from the Wild West" after drinking in the Fiveways, Worcester He got into a fierce scrap with his friend William Boyle, 42, of Lowesmoor, after they challenged each other.

John Shearon, prosecuting, said they punched and clawed at each other in an "unedifying" fight watched by a passer by in Cherry Tree Walk, just yards from the pub.

Mr Shearon said: "The incident was on Tuesday, May 8, when a man was walking in Cherry Tree Walk and saw Mr Boyle and Mr Jones fighting each other. Mr Jones was on top of Mr Boyle, trying to gouge his eyes out. Police were called, and when they arrived both men were hurting.

"Mr Boyle had cuts to his knuckles and body, while Mr Jones had grazes to his body and face and was bruised.

"Both men were drunk and were arrested at the scene. Mr Boyle said he had been drinking in the Fiveways with Mr Jones and they got into an argument. They both agreed to go outside and sort it out by fighting. Mr Boyle agreed that his behaviour was totally unacceptable and alarming for passers-by.

"Mr Doyle also agreed that it was wrong and would have worried anyone walking past."

Both men pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour. Mr Boyle, representing himself, apologised for his behaviour.

Hamer Childs, defending Jones, said: "This was a thoroughly unedifying incident, and in fairness to my client he thought it an old-fashioned way to sort out an argument.

"They are friends, and have spent this morning together before coming to court. My client realises that drink has been a long-standing problem in his life."

District Judge Bruce Morgan said: "Just think what children and families would have thought if they had seen this. It was like a scene from the Wild West. I will take into account the fact you were fighting each other and not beating up innocent members of the public."

Both men were fined £155.