SPURNED lover Gary Farr and two accomplices broke into his former partner's new home at night and terrorised the occupants, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Ryan Harford kicked down the front door to enable Adrian Roberts, armed with a baseball bat, to grab two women by the throat and struggle with another man, said Brian Dean, prosecuting.

But Farr and Harford ran away before becoming involved in the violence. Roberts was disarmed in the fight and hit with his own weapon.

Jailing all three men, Judge John Cavell said it was a disgraceful incident, particularly as the violence was witnessed by a three-year-old child in the house.

Farr, aged 46, of Portland Walk, Diglis, Roberts, 28, of Claverdon House, London Road, and Harford, 21, of Wheelwright Close, Blackpole, all Worcester, admitted affray.

Farr was jailed for 12 months, Harford for 15 months and Roberts for 21 months.

There had been a history of antagonism after Tamar Phillips, Farr's partner for 17 years, had gone to live with Mark Francis, who was staying at his sister Sally's house, said Mr Dean.

At 10pm on January 8, Sally and her children, aged three and 11 months, had gone to bed.

Tamar Phillips and Mark Francis were watching TV when the front door of the house was smashed in.

Roberts, armed with the baseball bat, grabbed Ms Phillips by the throat and did the same to Sally Francis when she challenged him after being disturbed by the noise.

Mark Francis grappled and disarmed him, striking him on the head with the baseball bat. Roberts fled the house, as did Farr and Harford when they were confronted by Sally Francis.

Her three-year-old had got out of bed, seen the violence and was very distressed, said Mr Dean. The men were arrested by police a short time later.

Simon Brand, for Farr, said the case was about the heartbreak caused when a lengthy relationship broke down.

There was a history of threat and counter-threat. That sort of atmosphere prevailed until something dramatic brought everyone to their senses.

James McCracken, for Harford, said although a footprint showed he had broken down the front door, he had turned and fled.

His motive had been to clear the air. He was due to marry this summer and had a four-year-old child.

Roberts had no history of violence, said his barrister, Nicolas Cartwright, but had been drawn into the acrimony following the breakdown of his friend's long-standing relationship.