VIOLENCE erupted in a street between neighbouring families following earlier drunken antics of a teenager.

Stephen Dixon junior was the instigator of trouble which broke out in Bridgehill, Consett, County Durham, early last July 31.

Durham Crown Court heard he made earlier threats, putting windows out in two neighbouring houses.

His father, Stephen Dixon senior, and step-brother, Tony Grugan, also became involved in the subsequent violence.

It left four members of a family who live in two nearby homes in Backstone Road with a variety of injuries, and one woman suffering an epileptic fit.

Dixon junior, 17, now of Nelson Street, Consett, Grugan, 21, now of Cruddas Park, Newcastle, and 42-year-old Dixon senior, all admitted affray.

Brian Russell, for Dixon junior, said he accepts he was the "catalyst" for the violence, drawing others into the incident.

Mr Russell said that at the time, Dixon junior was responsible for much "annoying anti-social behaviour" in the area, but has "grown up" since finding regular work in the construction industry.

The court heard that there have been no repeats of the violence since the incident.

Recorder Anton Lodge QC said that although the youngest, Dixon junior had the "greatest responsibility" for what took place, and came closest to being locked up.

But he imposed a two-year community rehabilitation order, to include a 60-day intensive supervision programme, and he will be electronically-tagged for a home curfew for three months, between 9pm and 6am.

Dixon senior was given a two-year community order, with 12-months' probation supervision and a 12-month electronically-tagged home curfew, between 10pm and 6am.

Grugan was received a two-year community order, to include 80 hours unpaid community work, and psychiatric supervision.