TWO men have pleaded guilty to affray after a fight outside a Darlington nightclub.

Jerry Karamjit Singh and Noel Walecki appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard that Singh, of Salisbury Terrace, Darlington, and Walecki, of Conyers Avenue, Darlington, became involved in a fight outside the Route 66 nightclub with friends Stephen Brown and Darren Hitchinson, who were at a bus stop.

Singh punched Mr Hitchinson and when Mr Brown went to intervene he was hit by Walecki and suffered a cut lip.

Graham Hunsley, for Singh, said Mr Hitchinson was Singh's girlfriend's brother and they knew each other.

He said Mr Hitchinson had shouted after Singh as he walked past and a confrontation began.

Mr Brown then got between the two men to try to calm things down.

Mr Hunsley said: "Mr Singh admits he lost his temper and punched Mr Hitchinson.

"He was not looking for trouble but he admits he did not walk far enough away."

Rory Todd, for Walecki, said: "Mr Singh did try to walk away but the situation got worse and Mr Walecki tried to act as the peacekeeper."

Walecki was ordered to pay £500 compensation and £50 costs. Singh was ordered to pay a £150 fine, £50 costs and £50 compensation.

Separate driving charges against Singh were adjourned until Tuesday, May 6.