THREE men who took part in Kidderminster's "ice-cream wars" have been ordered to pay nearly £3,000 after appearing at Worcester Crown Court.

One ice cream seller was taken to hospital with a suspected heart attack and another had his van windows smashed in a disturbance in Dunlin Drive on a summer afternoon.

Recorder John Price warned the three they were in danger of going to prison if there was further trouble.

Renato Gualano, 28, of Masefield Gardens, Kidderminster, and Benito Gualano, 62, and Stuart Hudson, 21, both of Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to affray.

Benito Gualano was fined £500 with £180 costs and ordered to pay £250 compensation to van owner Michael Hartshorne. The other two were each fined £750 with £180 costs and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Prosecutor David Iles said the violence erupted in May between sellers disputing pitches.

Benito Gualano started his ice cream business in 1963. For many years there had been healthy competition but in recent times he had been subjected to threats and intimidation, said Tim Harrington, defending.

Alan Parker, for Renato Gualano, said he had reacted and lost his temper because he was fearful for his father's health when he saw the confrontation.