TWO men who took part in an assault that saw a man's jaw fractured have been told violence in Beverley will not be tolerated.
The region's top judge told Richard Ellison, 21, and Declan Dixon, 22, their violent offending was despised by law-abiding members of the public.
The pair attacked friends Chris Dixon, who is no relation to Declan Dixon, and Matthew Roberts as they walked home in the town.
Prosecutor Nigel Clive said: "Mr Roberts said, without any warning, Ellison raised his fists and hit him to the right of the mouth and nose. The next thing he recalls is being on his hands and knees.
"Ellison then used both his fists to rain punches down on the back of his head.
"At the same time, Dixon assaulted Chris. He pushed him against a fence and punched him about 20 times."
Mr Dixon suffered a broken jaw, severe bruising and a black eye.
Three weeks earlier, the offenders had entered the Upper Crust Takeaway in Saturday Market, Beverley.
Ellison was due to be a witness in a court case against one of the employees and he shouted unpleasant comments at him.
Ellison pleaded guilty to harassment and common assault and Dixon pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm.
They both have previous convictions for assault.
The Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, Judge Michael Mettyear, has jailed Dixon, of Holderness Crescent, Beverley, for nine months.
The judge told him: "You fall to be sentenced for an unprovoked attack, while you were heavily in drink in circumstances where your co-accused actually started the violence and you joined in with enthusiasm and caused serious injuries in the form of a fractured jaw, bruising, swelling and the possibility of a broken nose.
"You have an attitude problem. The probation officer said your actions were underpinned by a belief it is normal for a man to drink and then fight if a conflict occurs.
"It may surprise you to know that lots of men and women go through their whole lives without feeling it is necessary to fight.
"A sentence of custody has been coming for some time.
"This sort of conduct cannot be excused and calls for a custodial sentence.
"It is the sort of offence people hate."
Ellison, of Schofield Avenue, Beverley, has been sentenced to a community order and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Judge Mettyear told Ellison: "I have agonised about what to do with you.
The work must take top priority in your life, you must do it and you must do it properly.
"If you do not, then I will lock you up."
