FOUR men attacked a man outside his home over a two-year-old argument, Warrington Crown Court heard on Friday.

Tony Jones, 24, of Mossdale Road, Andrew Hughes, 19, of Ambleside Close, Leigh Bellis, 21, of Mariner Grove and Neil Speakman, 20, of Eskdale Close, all of Runcorn, admitted assault.

All but Speakman were ordered to perform 160 hours' community service and pay £100 costs.

Speakman, who had a previous conviction for inflicting grievous bodily harm, was ordered to do 200 hours' community service and pay £100 costs.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, said Stuart Campbell was out drinking in Runcorn with friends when he fell into an arguement with the defendants in the Bank Chambers pub.

The problem was resolved and Mr Campbell walked home with his friends.

Once inside, the doorbell rang and the four men were outside.

They dragged him outside and he was hit on the head with a bottle.

He fell to the floor and was kicked and punched to the head.

The four men fled, but were later arrested and admitted being involved.

Speakman said he and Campbell had got into an argument two years earlier and claimed Mr Campbell had run at him and it became a free-for-all.

Mr Campbell was taken to Whiston Hospital, where he received three staples for a cut on his head. He also suffered two black eyes and a sore chest.

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