THREE men who took part in a street fight in which a victim was given a kicking have been sent to prison for a total of two years.

Judge David Pirie told John Smedley, 33, his brother Francis Smedley, 25, and Jason Robinson, 27, they had to go to jail as they had delivered punches and kicks during the melee.

John Smedley, of Lina Street, Accrington, who had been armed with a hammer and a metal bar, was sent to prison for 10 months, whilst father-of-four Francis Smedley, of Somerset Grove and Jason Robinson, of Walmsley Close, both Church, were each jailed for seven months. All admitted affray.

June Morris, prosecuting, said there was ill feeling between brothers Lee and Chris Mascheder and the defendants.

In August 1999, they came across the Smedleys, there was minor trouble and later a car pulled up with the defendants on board. She said the vehicle skidded to a halt, so close to the victims it looked as if it would mount the pavement and a group of men ran towards the brothers.

John Smedley was armed with a hammer, which was not used, but he pursued Lee Mascheder whilst his brother was chased by the two other defendants.

A struggle followed between John Smedley and Lee Mascheder.

Lee Mascheder saw the car again later and thought the defendants were waiting for him and heard one of them say: "Let's get him."

They ran towards him, John Smedley armed with a metal bar, and then leapt on him and the victim had to cover his head.

Anthony Cross, defending John Smedley, said the defendant believed the Mascheders were taking liberties with his family.

Nick Kennedy, defending Jason Robinson, said he was the father of a three-year- old daughter and that had given him a new look on life.

He had had no convictions other than for possession of cannabis.

Robinson had got embroiled in the "rather ridiculous " dispute between John Smedley and the Mascheders but was not prone to street fighting.