GAS was sprayed inside a flat after two men called to complain about noise from a karaoke machine, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Stephen Parker was ordered to turn the sound down and apologised - but was punched in the face by Mark Reece.

Then Reece's accomplice, Adam Mole, sprayed the "incapacitant" into the room in Windermere House, Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, said Trevor Meegan, prosecuting.

Both defendants had been drinking, Mole having consumed 15 pints of beer before the violent incident on Friday, August 9, last year.

Mr Parker and four friends were at the flat when the defendants, both aged 20, claimed the loud music was disturbing children trying to sleep, said Mr Meegan.

Reece insisted that repeated requests to turn down the sound were ignored.

Mole told police he did not spray the gas directly at anyone. The gas caused only discomfort.

Lost temper

Reece, of Eddy Road, Kidderminster, and Mole, of Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, admitted affray and were each jailed for nine months.

Mole was already serving an 18-month sentence for violence. His expected release date now was in September.

Reece had a long record for violence, including assault on police.

Adam Western, for Mole, said he was being educated in custody and hoped to secure a college place when he was free. Drink led him into crime.

Michael Aspinall, for Reece, said: "He needs to grow up and use his brain rather than his brawn. This was loud music in the early hours and he lost his temper."

Recorder Amjad Nawaz said the pair had taken the law into their own hands.

Luckily, he added, the gas had not caused significant injuries.