VIOLENCE broke out in Court today as members of one of Europe's largest dog-fighting syndicates were jailed.

Two men from North-East were among four defendants sentenced to between four-and-a-half months and six months at Lincoln Magistrates Court.

See RSPCA footage inside a home where the illegal dog fighting took place.

The ring was smashed following an investigation by undercover reporter Stephen Paul Ibinson, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, who gathered information for a BBC Panorama programme.

Gary Adamson, 38, of Ramsey Crescent, Yarm, who pleaded guilty to six charges in connection with illegal dog-fighting, was given 23 weeks in prison.

Owen Batey, 40, of Cannock Road, Middlesbrough, was also sentenced to 23 weeks in jail.

He admitted setting two pit bulls on each other, being present at a dog-fight and owning a pit bull.

Both men were banned from keeping animals for life.

Claire Parker, 44, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after being convicted earlier this month of holding dog-fights at her home in Lincolnshire.

Mohammed Farooq, 33, of Daniels Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, who was found guilty on two charges, was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 26 weeks.

Another man, Christopher Burgess, 42, of Longstone Way, Ladybrook, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, received 160 hours community service after admitting keeping a banned dog.

A 17-year-old youth convicted on two counts relating to dog-fighting was given a six-month referral order.

Another member of the ring, Kenneth King, had to be taken to hospital after a fight broke out inside the court building before he was sentenced.

He suffered injuries to his head after the trouble flared.

Burgess had to be restrained during the scuffle and was shot with a Taser.

The court heard that the syndicate had links to a gang in Northern Ireland, with paramilitary connections, who supplied illegal American pit bull dogs.

Members of the ring attended fights as far away as Finland.

The investigation led to the discovery of 35 fighting dogs.

More than half had sustained injuries and showed scars from previous bouts.

A blood-stained fighting pit was found in Parkers garage.

Inspectors also found treadmills used to build up dogs stamina and fitness.

After the hearing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Mike Butcher called the sentences a breakthrough.

He added: The RSPCA feels much of the credit for this success is due to the determination and bravery of the late Stephen Ibinson.

Mr Ibinson recently died of a heart attack in Afghanistan.