TWO brothers and a father who became embroiled in a drunken street brawl after a bouncer was racially abused have avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard that successful businessman Vernon Charles Yerkess, 43, had been celebrating his mother-in-law’s 60th birthday at her home in Whalley with his wife and two sons Harrison Charles Yerkess,18, and Benjamin Charles Yerkess, 23, on February 26.

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After leaving, the court heard, they decided to go for a last drink at Brady’s wine bar in Whalley at around midnight.

Harrison was the first family member to enter the queue and was asked for identification by doorman Jaber Khan before being let in. But, as he walked through the door, the court heard he racially abused Mr Khan. Mr Khan and colleague Thomas Davison went to the bar to remove him.

Prosecuting, Mercedeh Jabbari said at that point Benjamin Yerkess approached Mr Khan and asked him why he was ejecting his brother.

The court then heard how Harrison had racially abused Mr Khan.

A 10-minute fight then ensued both inside and outside the venue which the court was shown a clip of.

The court heard that Harrison Yerkess punched Mr Khan before the fight spilled in to the foyer away from the cameras. Footage from outside showed Harrison Yerkess drag Mr Khan into the road and throw him on his back and Benjamin Yerkess attempt to do the same.

The court heard that he kneed Mr Davison in the face, whilst the doorman admitting kicking one of the defendants to protect Mr Khan.

Harrison Yerkess was seen to throw a punch at Mr Davison which missed and the door - man returned a punch which knocked the defendant uncon - scious.

Mrs Yerkess was also knocked to the floor during the incident.

Mr Khan, who has not received any permanent injuries but did have to go to Royal Blackburn Hospital, was abused through - out the disorder.

The court heard that Vernon Yerkess originally received a fixed penalty notice but the police decided to further investigate after the defendant posted about the in - cident on Facebook.

Defending Vernon Yerkess, Mark Stewart said his client was ‘embarrassed’.

Defending the brothers, Hugh Barton said both had plans to travel to Canada to become ski instructors but that had been jeopardised by the incident which they were remorseful about.All three men, of Padi - ham Road, Sabden, admitted a charge of affray as a joint en - terprise.

Benjamin Yerkess was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended from 12 months and told to complete 60 hours unpaid work while Harrison Yerkess was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, sus - pended from 12 months and told to complete 60 hours unpaid work.

Vernon Yerkess was given a 12-month community order, with a 200 hours unpaid work requirement. They were or - dered to pay £500 costs.