A FATHER and son have received prison sentences after a family dispute descended into violence outside a Longford pub.

Phillip Shaw, aged 48, and 25-year-old son, Damien, both of Statham Avenue, Longford, were convicted of affray after admitting brawling with Dean Corcoran and Edward Roberts.

Warrington Crown Court heard the incident occurred outside the Jolly Tanner pub in Statham Avenue at 12.45am on September 10 last year.

Mark Connor, prosecuting, said Mr Corcoran, aged 24, was leaving the pub when he saw a violent argument between Damien Shaw and his female cousin.

Mr Connor said Mr Corcoran intervened by grabbing Shaw in a bear hug but Shaw spun around and punched him in the mouth.

A prolonged attack by Shaw followed with Mr Corcoran being rugby tackled to the ground and hit with a flurry of up to 15 blows.

The court heard that Mr Roberts was then attacked as he left the pub.

"Mr Roberts recalls seeing Mr Corcoran spread-eagled on the floor," Mr Connor said.

"Phillip Shaw held him against a wall and punched him the face, saying: I'm going to kill you."

Mr Connor said several female witnesses tried to break up the fight and the police were eventually called and the defendants arrested.

Phillip Shaw initially denied hitting Mr Corcoran and said he only punched Mr Roberts in self-defence while Damien Shaw admitted pushing his cousin during their argument but alleged Mr Corcoran hit him first.

Both later pleaded guilty to affray after assault charges were dropped.

Patrick Buckley, defending, said Damien Shaw had been drunk and let an ugly family dispute spiral out of control'.

Phillip Shaw's defence lawyer, Tim Brennan, said his client had no previous convictions and had initially not been a prime mover' in the fight but having drunk six pints, made the wrong judgement call' and got involved.

Judge David Hale sentenced Damien Shaw, who has previous convictions for violence, to 10 months in prison.

Phillip Shaw was handed a four-month jail sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to do 100 hours community work and pay £400 compensation.

nick.lakeman@guardiangrp.co.uk