A teenager involved in mob drunken street violence in Chelmsford last summer was locked up by a judge on Tuesday.

Apprentice electrician Alan Neale, 19, of Cherry Avenue, Brentwood, admitted affray when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. He received one year youth detention.

Judge Christopher Ball QC told Neale: "You used the boot and you used your fist. You have admitted your part in the affray but taking into account your past record of violence and trying to be even handed between you and the others involved you must learn a hard lesson that violence will not be tolerated."

David Pickersgill, prosecuting, said the victim, Oliver Rhodes, had been drinking with friends and made friendly conversation with Neale's group outside Dukes night club, Chelmsford, on the night of July 11-12.

The conversation turned unpleasant and Mr Rhodes was attacked by the group. He received hospital treatment for his injuries but was not detained.

Michael Maher, mitigating, said it was serious attack but Neale played a lesser part. When Neale saw the video of the event he felt sick and disgusted by the extent of the violence.

He was drunk that night and his involvement was triggered by seeing the victim attack his friend. Neale kicked the victim's leg, threw two or three punches in quick succession and then left. He had since sought help for his drink problem.

Judge Ball said: "The victim triggered the episode by his own drunken conduct but that did not justify the violence meted out against him."

Others involved in the incident were dealt with at the same court before Christmas.

Published Wednesday January 7, 2004

Brought to you by the Essex Chronicle