THREE louts involved in late-night drunken violence in a town centre have walked free from court.

Closed circuit television cameras caught the trouble outside Hoskin's pub in Darlington last July.

The footage was described as "horrific" by a judge when it was played at Teesside Crown Court.

It showed Marc Dutson, 25, knocking out at a man who was then kicked by Anthony Turnbull, 24.

Another man was kicked and thumped by the pair, but seems to have escaped uninjured.

Matthew Clark - said to have been the least involved - claimed to have thrown just one punch.

Turnbull's barrister, Nigel Soppitt, said he had been horrified when he saw the CCTV pictures.

He described the scenes as "repugnant violence" and said Turnbull had since stopped drinking.

Clark admitted common assault while the others admitted the same charge and actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said the unconscious victim suffered facial bruising and swelling.

Judge Michael Taylor told the attackers: "This is another example of drunken street violence.

"Anybody who sees the recording that has been played before me will be horrified by it.

"You seem to think that when fuelled by drink you are entitled to behave like animals on the street."

Clark, of Fitzwilliam Drive, Darlington, was given 100 hours of unpaid work with £50 compensation.

Dutson, of Ellerton Close, Darlington, and Turnbull, of Bridge View, Fishburn, each got a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 100 hours of unpaid work and £150 compensation.