TWO people who became involved in a fracas at a takeaway have been sentenced after being found guilty in their absence when they missed their trial.

Craig Cunningham and Abbie Lynn Danielle Tilley both denied committing affray at a takeaway in Bishop Auckland on July 13 last year.

But the pair, both from Bishop Auckland, missed their trial, and appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ Court for sentencing today (February 14) after they were found guilty in their absence.

Prosecutor Alan Davison said Cunningham, 34, of Ladysmith Street, and Tilley, 35, of Fore Bondgate had been walking their dogs with another woman when they went past the takeaway.

The court heard that Cunningham and the other woman had been barred from the store after previously arguing over a pizza and some money.

On July 13, the woman went in to the store to argue with the owner, but it quickly became physical, the court heard, with other shop workers becoming involved.

The court heard that Tilley and Cunningham initially tried to intervene and drag their friend away, but they too became embroiled in the fighting.

The other woman has appeared in court previously and was given a 12 month community order with supervision.

Laura Saunders-Jerome representing Cunningham and Tilley said the pair had been trying to help but unfortunately lost their tempers and became involved.

Cunningham, who is already on a court order to help him battle alcoholism and missed the trial due ill health, was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Tilley, who forgot what day the trial was supposed to be, was given a 12 month community order with supervision and ordered to pay £60 costs.