A STUDENT who ended up involved in a drunken brawl in a back alley during a night out found himself in court this week.

Police had to break up a fight in a little-used alley last month.

James Jemmeson, 20, of Widgeon Road, Darlington, admitted causing a fear or provocation of violence, when he appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe.

Ami Todd, prosecuting, said police had been called out to reports of an ongoing fight in Chancery Lane, Darlington, just before 11pm on Saturday, September 22.

"CCTV identified two males involved in a fight," she said.

"Officers came across Mr Jemmeson who started running away and turned right on to Horsemarket.

"Officers gave chase on foot. They told Mr Jemmeson he needed to stop and he did.

"He made full admissions in interview.

"He was involved in a fight but he did not wish to make a complaint against the other male involved.

"He understands that if any members of the public were in that lane at the time they may have been very concerned about what was going on."

She said Jemmeson had a previous caution for possession of MDNA but had no previous convictions other than the caution.

Rory Todd, mitigating on behalf of Jemmeson, said: "He had not gone out looking for trouble.

"There was an incident leading up to this fight where the other male had met him in a pub in the town centre and words were exchanged.

"Mr Jemmeson didn't want any trouble.

"Both ended up outside.

"He has followed him into the lane and the two started fighting in the lane.

"The other male tripped up Mr Jemmeson and kicked him in the back and towards the head."

Mr Todd said Jemmeson had 'spoiled his good name' after having too much to drink.

The student, who works part-time in a restaurant at the weekends, was 'not a violent character', Mr Todd said.

"He has never got involved in anything like this before.

"I know it is unpleasant for people to see a fight on a night out but I know Chancery Lane, down the side of Pizza Hut, and it is not a well populated area.

"I suspect that is why they have gone there.

"It is certainly an incident he regrets and would wish not to repeat the experience.

"Now he has a conviction to show for it which he deeply regrets."

Magistrates fined Jemmeson £80 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.