Five cable TV workmen have been jailed after beating up a man trying to prevent trouble in a Kidlington pub.

Matthew Brunnen, 25, Barry Ellis, 30, both of Cosham, Hampshire, and Peter Moon, 22, from Hilsea, Hampshire were given 18 months by Oxford Crown Court.

They admitted causing violent disorder in the Red Lion, Oxford Road, on December 17 last year.

Mark Barrett, 31, of Stanshaw, Hampshire, was jailed for nine months and 17-year-old Stephen Knight, from Cosham, was given nine months' youth custody.

Stephen Brunnen, 23, from Portsmouth, admitted violent disorder and was given 150 hours' community service and told to pay £250 compensation.

Judge Charles Harris QC said the men indulged in loutish behaviour in the pub and the situation worsened after Knight attempted to steal beer.

A customer stepped in and he was punched in the face and hit with a pool cue.

Matthew Brunnen joined in the kicking and punching and Ellis kicked him and used a bottle. The man who intervened was seriously injured, suffering facial and chest bruises, a dislocated right elbow and broken false teeth.

Judge Harris added: "You also terrified innocent customers... this was all about kicking with heavy boots. you were all behaving in a disgraceful way."

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