FIVE men were sentenced yesterday for their part in a brawl after a traditional Shrove Tuesday ball game.

Justin Fox, 30, of Stobart Avenue, Fishburn; David Jordan, 34, of Skerne Avenue, Trimdon Village; Graham Webb, 32, of Chaytor Terrace, Fishburn; Hugh Foster, 40, of Front Street North, Trimdon Village; and Gary Golightly, 32, of Moorside Crescent, Fishburn; were all arrested after violence flared outside the Hardwick Arms in Sedgefield. They admitted various charges.

The village is the venue for the annual Shrove Tuesday Ball Game, which is a 900-year-old tradition.

Peter Makepeace, prosecuting, said trouble began when a group of women began fighting. Foster saw his daughter was involved, and became embroiled in the fracas while trying to separate them.

When police arrived, he pushed an officer out of the way and began swearing and shouting.

Fox and Jordan were found fighting in an alleyway by officers, who used CS spray to break up the fight.

Mr Makepeace said Fox continued to struggle and headbutted one officer and caused an injury which needed an operation to another. He kicked out at another officer and head butted a third.

Webb and Golightly also scuffled with officers.

Judge Peter Armstrong sentenced Fox to four months in jail for affray, six months for actual bodily harm, four for a second charge of actual bodily harm and a month each for two common assault charges, with all sentences to run concurrently.

Jordan was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service, Webb 100 hours and Golightly 50 hours.

Foster was given a 12-month conditional discharge