A drunken couple who beat up three "cheeky" schoolboys have each been jailed for eight months.

Robert Fuller, 56, and wife Ceri, 42, of Roodegate, Basildon, admitted a charge of cruelty, but claimed they were provoked by the children.

The couple punched and kicked the boys, twisting one by the arm.

Ceri Fuller was said to have nearly strangled one boy by putting her hand around his neck, Basildon Crown Court heard.

Published Wednesday October 30, 2002

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