AN ATTACKER who repeatedly struck a pub customer with a bar stool was jailed on Monday.

Craig Allaker, 22, attacked Clifford Weaver at the Southmoor Hotel in Stanley, on February 7 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Allaker and his father Keith Allaker, 43, and uncle, Christian Allaker, 46, had confronted Mr Weaver following an earlier dispute.

Mr Weaver suffered two head wounds, one of which required seven staples. He also had bruising, cuts and a small bite wound to his ear.

Keith Allaker told the court he was assaulted by Mr Weaver during the incident and admits throwing one punch. Christian Allaker accepts he kicked out twice.

Defence barrister Nick Cartmell told the court how Christian Allaker had earlier been threatened at his home by Mr Weaver in the presence of his six-year-old daughter, who was left terrified.

He said he involved his brother, Keith, and nephew, Craig, out of anger.

Mr Cartmell said: "He bitterly regrets his involvement and bitterly regrets involving Craig and Keith."

Craig Allaker, of Charlotte Street, South Moor, Stanley, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Christian Allaker, of John Street, Stanley, admitted affray. Keith Allaker, of Southfields, Stanley, also admitted affray.

Judge David Wood said he accepted Christian Allaker may have been threatened by Mr Weaver during the earlier incident at his home.

But the Judge said: "Entirely the wrong thing to do about it is to take the law into your own hands and go around mob-handed in order to confront him."

Mr Wood said it was clear Mr Weaver got a 'pretty savage' beating that night.

Craig Allaker was jailed for 18 months and Keith and Christian Allaker for nine months each.